Suvendu Adhikari accused Left groups and protesters of seeking Bangladesh-like unrest amid claims of vandalised Puja bookstalls. The remarks sharpened political tensions over democratic space, religious identity and electoral-roll revisions.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari targets Communists amid row over vandalised Left bookstalls (Photo-File)
Kanthi,Oct 19, 2026 21:38 IST
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday alleged that Communists and “cockroaches” were trying to create “Bangladesh-like unrest” in India and said their attempts must be resisted, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
His remarks came amid allegations by Left parties that their bookstalls near Durga Puja pandals had been vandalised at several places across West Bengal. Left leaders described the alleged vandalism as “an attack on democratic thought”.
The CPI(M), SUCI and other Left parties said their bookstalls had been vandalised at locations ranging from Dinhata in Cooch Behar district to Haridevpur in south Kolkata.
Responding to the criticism, Adhikari said, “The Communists, they do not offer prayers, refuse to tie the sacred thread on their wrists, and do not put tilak on their foreheads. Beware of them,” according to PTI.
Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at a Durga Puja in Kanthi in Purba Medinipur, Adhikari said, “I prayed to Goddess Durga for the well-being of the people of the state and peaceful passage of the rest of the days of Durga Puja.”
Referring to a stampede in Kolkata that left 19 people dead, he appealed for “everyone's cooperation in making the rest of this year's puja accident-free”.
Pointing to the vermilion mark on his forehead and the sacred thread tied around his wrist, Adhikari said, “I am not a Communist, I am not an atheist, and I am not a Jamaati. I am a son of a Hindu, a proud Sanatani.” He added, “As a Sanatani, worshipping the goddess is my duty.”
Adhikari also targeted the Cockroach Janta Party, which has taken to the streets demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR exercise involving electoral rolls. He said people should be wary of “cockroaches and bedbugs”.
Claiming that such groups were trying to create unrest across India similar to that in Bangladesh, Adhikari said, “They must be resisted by any means.” His comments came as Left parties continued to protest against the alleged attacks on their bookstalls during Durga Puja.
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With PTI inputs