BJP’s north Bengal leader challenges Abhishek for open debate
The Statesman | 8 April 2026
Political tensions escalated in Siliguri on Tuesday as BJP candidate Sankar Ghosh challenged Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to an open public debate, even as the TMC alleged rising intimidation and violence ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Addressing a Press conference, Ghosh dared Banerjee to contest from Siliguri. “Let him stand against me here. The people will decide who truly has their support,” he said.
The challenge came a day after Banerjee, at an election rally, sharply criticised Ghosh and accused the BJP of failing to deliver development in Siliguri.
Abhishek also threw a challenge to Sankar Ghosh to join him in an open debate on development issues.
“Today, I accepted his challenge before the media, as he himself had asked reporters to communicate it,” Ghosh said.
Abhishek also took a swipe at Ghosh over an earlier injury incident during flood relief work, remarking that the BJP leader was seen moving around with a bandage on his right hand despite claiming injury elsewhere.
Responding to it, Ghosh said: “My vehicle was attacked and shattered glass caused injuries across my body. Such remarks do not befit a leader of his stature.” Hitting back, he added, “I did not move around with a bandage for show, like his ‘paternal aunt’. My injuries were genuine.”
Ghosh further alleged that Banerjee’s speech hinted at plans to “take control” of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation after the polls, indirectly questioning the future of TMC mayor Gautam Deb. “People have understood what he meant, that the current mayor will not remain,” he claimed.
Describing the 2026 polls as “decisive”, Ghosh said, “The ground is ready for the TMC’s exit. There will be nothing left to ‘rebuild’ after that.”
Meanwhile, Deb accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise the city ahead of the elections. “Outsiders are being brought in to create chaos. This is unacceptable. There is a clear attempt to trigger violence,” he said.
Referring to Monday’s scuffle involving Ghosh and police personnel in plain clothes, Deb alleged, “A sitting MLA and BJP candidate attempted to assault a police officer. I have never witnessed such barbaric and unethical behaviour in my political life.”
He further alleged irregularities in voter lists, claiming that “around 6,400 names out of 8,400 voters under adjudication in Siliguri have been deleted, many of them TMC supporters.”
Warning of further unrest, Deb said, “A deep conspiracy is underway. There could be bigger trouble ahead, but I am not afraid. Life is one, I will live and fight like a soldier.”
With both sides trading sharp accusations, Siliguri has emerged as a key political battleground in North Bengal ahead of the high-stakes 2026 Assembly elections.