Kolkata, May 6 (IANS) BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday claimed that outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has become “irrelevant” in West Bengal politics after the Trinamool Congress’ defeat in the Assembly elections.

Speaking to mediapersons after visiting the office of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Kolkata, Adhikari also said that incidents of post-poll violence would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Adhikari, who won the Assembly elections from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies, said the BJP would rise above religion and community while taking action against “goons” involved in violence.

The BJP leader had gone to the CEO’s office to thank the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting what he described as violence-free, transparent and fair elections.

Before entering the CEO office on Strand Road in central Kolkata, he said: “We have come to thank the CEO for the peaceful manner in which polling was conducted in two phases and for the smooth counting process.”

After meeting Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agrawal, Special Observer Subrata Gupta and Special Police Observer N.K. Mishra, Adhikari addressed a press conference and praised the Commission for conducting the elections peacefully.

Referring to Bhabanipur constituency, Adhikari claimed that many voters who were previously hesitant to cast their votes participated freely this time.

“There are many large housing complexes in Bhabanipur. Polling booths were set up inside 20 such complexes for the first time. Many voters told me this was the first time they could cast their votes independently,” he said.

When asked about Mamata Banerjee not tendering her resignation as Chief Minister following the election defeat, Adhikari declined to comment directly.

“It is written in the Constitution. I hope the Honourable Governor and Raj Bhavan will take appropriate action in this regard. She is now irrelevant in West Bengal politics. I do not think there is any need to waste more words on her,” he said.

Adhikari claimed that compared to the violence witnessed after the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2023 panchayat elections, the present incidents were comparatively limited.

Even then, he stressed that no incident of violence would be tolerated.

Addressing allegations of post-poll violence, Adhikari said: “I am not defending anyone. But even after what happened during the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2023 panchayat polls, I had said no one should touch the offices of political opponents. This remains our stand.”

He also appealed for calm and said those involved in violence would face legal action.

“Some anti-social elements are still active. After the formation of the BJP government, action will be taken irrespective of party affiliation and without discrimination,” he said.

He added that action would also be taken against any BJP leader or worker found inciting violence.

–IANS

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