TMC scoffs at BJP claims of Suvendu ‘security threat’
Times of India | 26 December 2024
12 Kolkata: Trinamool on Wednesday said Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari should move Calcutta High Court seeking direction to Centre to enhance his security after state BJP said that there might be attacks on him.
Adhikari, a Z-plus protectee, gets complete CAPF cover for his proximate security and state police are tasked only to maintain the outer security ring whenever he is on the move. With Adhikari increasing his political pitch following unrest in Bangladesh, there have been reports that Centre had alerted Bengal on potential risks to Adhikari. Neither Centre nor the state has officially confirmed these developments.
The Trinamool reactions come after BJP's Arjun Singh alleged that Bangladeshi militants might attack Adhikari. Such claims by Singh, however, are not new. Since his return to BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he has repeatedly spoken about a potential threat to Adhikari.
On Wednesday, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said: "We are aware of these sudden (media) reports. We wish to clearly say that Adhikari should remain safe and healthy. There can be no two views on it. But always remember, Adhikari is provided security by central forces, BSF is tasked to check cross border infiltration, and it is the job of CBI to monitor and track militants."
"Adhikari should always remain safe and secure, but to ensure that for him — and others — is the primary job of Centre. If they say militants are sneaking in, then it is BSF's fault. If militants are on the move, then they are saying that central IB has failed. What is left with the state police? They act on whatever leads they get. I would rather suggest that Adhikari move Calcutta HC... a bench he likes and get a direction for Centre to step up his security. We believe the HC will grant it," Ghosh added.
Kolkata mayor and senior minister Firhad Hakim said, "Any attack against anyone is undesirable. Whether there will be an attack on Adhikari, or there will be an attack against me... only central agencies can say that."
Singh had earlier told reporters, "Whatever I say has always been proven later. Suvendu Adhikari is the main target despite being a Z-plus. There can be IED placed on his travel route, they (attackers) may use spay (referring to chemical attacks), or even false booms...There are so many unknown news portals cropping up daily. What will the central agencies do then? His security needs to step up immediately." Singh had added, "Adhikari's absence will only benefit Mamata Banerjee before the 2026 polls. And it is a known fact that jihadi elements find refuge in Bengal."