Kolkata, 06 October (H.S.) :

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday cast his ballot at the Nandanayakbar polling station during the Nandigram assembly by-election, reaffirming his deep political ties to the constituency. Speaking to reporters after voting, Adhikari asserted that he would remain a registered voter of Nandigram until his last breath, while also weighing in on the arrest of Aam Janatha Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir during bypoll proceedings in Rejinagar.

Addressing the controversy surrounding Kabir’s detention and subsequent arrest, the Chief Minister remarked that nobody is above the law. He explained that election rules strictly restrict unauthorized movement within 200 meters of polling stations. Pointing out that Kabir is the sitting legislator for Nowda and not a contesting candidate in the Rejinagar bypoll, Adhikari stated that Kabir's confrontation with the police arose from entering the restricted zone in clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Earlier in the day, Adhikari departed from his residence, Shantikunj, around 10:45 AM. Amid elaborate security arrangements, he chose to leave his convoy near the venue and reached the polling booth in an electric rickshaw (toto). After casting his vote, he met with the Bharatiya Janata Party nominee for Nandigram, Hasirani Rath.

Observing that by-elections traditionally register moderate participation, Adhikari expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the polls in Nandigram and voiced confidence that the ruling party would secure a decisive victory. Although Adhikari had relinquished the Nandigram seat to retain Bhabanipur after winning both constituencies in the general assembly elections, he reiterated that his political bond with the people of Nandigram remains steadfast.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh