Siliguri, 21 July (H.S.) While the Trinamool Congress (TMC) once again claimed a record-breaking turnout at its annual 21 July Shahid Diwas rally in Dharmatala, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari launched a blistering attack from north Bengal, during the Uttarkanya Abhiyan programme. Adhikari alleged that the crowd at the TMC rally was not made up of ordinary citizens but rather of “Rohingyas and convicted thieves.”
Even before the Uttarkanya rally began, Suvendu had mocked TMC’s programme, stating, “21 July is not a political rally, it's a ‘Paglu dance show’ where people are brought in forcefully.” Speaking from the Siliguri stage, he escalated his attack, claiming, “The people gathered at Dharmatala are actually Rohingyas and seasoned criminals, and it is in front of them that Mamata Banerjee gives her speeches.”
Adhikari also referred to ongoing allegations of cow smuggling, coal trafficking, and other financial scams involving several TMC leaders. He sarcastically remarked, “Today, no cow or coal smuggling is taking place in Bengal. Even wood theft has stopped. People are now able to dry their clothes in peace because the thieves have all gone to Dharmatala to attend the ‘egg-rice’ programme.”
Despite the BJP’s inability to provide luxuries like air-conditioned buses, food, or even drinking water, Suvendu praised the large number of supporters who turned up for their rally. “This is the spirit with which we must continue our fight against the Trinamool Congress,” he said.
Adding to the attack, BJP MLA from Siliguri, Shankar Ghosh, launched a sharp verbal attack against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers.
“The TMC’s corrupt leaders and ministers, including the Chief Minister herself, have defiled Uttarkanya. Through this Abhiyan, we will purify it,” Ghosh declared.
He also stated confidently,
“Today, we’re showing Uttarkanya to our workers and supporters from North Bengal. After the 2026 elections, this will become the seat of the BJP Cabinet.”
The Uttarkanya Abhiyan has been pitched by the BJP as a counter-movement to TMC's political dominance and is seen as a part of their growing campaign ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
