Falta, 19 May (H.S.): Ahead of the repoll scheduled for May 21 in the Falta Assembly constituency, West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday conducted a massive roadshow in support of BJP candidate Debanshu Panda, intensifying the political atmosphere in the constituency.
On the final day of campaigning, Suvendu Adhikari once again visited Falta and attempted to demonstrate the BJP’s strength through the high-voltage roadshow.
Before the rally began, Adhikari visited a Shiva temple in Falta and offered prayers. The roadshow later started from Kalitala Ground in Hasimnagar under Bangannagar-II Panchayat area.
Large numbers of people gathered along both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of the BJP leader. At several places, supporters welcomed him with flower showers, while Adhikari continuously waved at the crowd in response. Due to the heavy turnout, the roadshow slowed down multiple times along the route.
After the programme, Adhikari was scheduled to have lunch at the residence of BJP worker Swapan Mondal. The BJP has alleged that Swapan Mondal was killed during the post-poll violence that took place after the 2021 Assembly elections.
Political observers believe that while the Falta by-election may not significantly alter the broader political direction of the state, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned in its attempt to increase its tally in the Assembly. This is seen as one of the reasons behind Suvendu Adhikari’s repeated visits and aggressive campaigning in the area. He had earlier addressed a public meeting there on Saturday as well.
During Saturday’s rally, Adhikari had targeted Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan and remarked, “Let the voting get over first, then I will deal with him.”
Following the earlier phase of polling, opposition parties had alleged that free and fair voting did not take place at several booths in the constituency. After reviewing the complaints, the Election Commission of India decided to order repolling in the affected booths. Fresh voting in Falta is now scheduled for May 21, while counting of votes will take place on May 24.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
