Nandigram: CM Suvendu Adhikari led BJP’s charge on the last day of campaigning in Nandigram on Sunday, where he made clear BJP was eyeing Nandigram’s 72,000-odd minority Muslim voters.“For years, you have been misled,” he told them, saying BJP had not received minority votes in the last three elections but hoped the situation would change.“Let us see whether Muslims want Ram Rajya now. We do not force anyone to say Jai Shri Ram,” he said.A local Trinamool functionary met Adhikari during the rally, promising a thousand minority votes. “If they wish, they will do friendship. We are always open,” Adhikari said.Several minority women were seen on the rally route at Hossainpur carrying “we want to make friendship” posters.The CM walked three kilometres from Tengua Bazaar to Nandigram Hospital in the morning before returning for a second rally at Kendamari-Hossainpur’s Rajarani Chowk around 4.45pm — travelling 130km to Kolkata for an event in between.Adhikari also targeted former CM Mamata Banerjee, saying March 10 should be observed as “West Bengal Falsehood Day,” repeating allegations about her leg injury in 2021 and announcing a state govt investigation into “the spread of misinformation” after the by-election.Congress candidate Milton Pradhan crisscrossed Nandigram claiming anti-BJP voters were uniting. The Left held a central rally at Nandigram bus stand.Congress state president Subhankar Sarkar alleged BJP was trying to seize control of the counting centre, claiming the venue had been shifted from Haldia to Reyapara in Nandigram—close to Adhikari’s party office — breaking long-standing practice.Sarkar demanded the counting centre be moved and alleged anti-BJP voters were being summoned and threatened.Five live bombs were recovered outside the home of BJP booth president Dinabandhu Mitra in Baranagar village on Saturday night. No injuries were reported. BJP accused Trinamool-backed miscreants, TMC denied involvement. Police are investigating.
