Suvendu Adhikari Accuses TMC of Bias Over Ahmedabad Firm Selection in By-Election

Suvendu Adhikari, a prominent leader with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has raised serious allegations against the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing them of harboring an 'anti-Gujarati mindset'. The claims were made in response to TMC's objection to the appointment of an Ahmedabad-based firm for webcasting services during the Kaliganj Assembly by-election.

Highlighting a letter dated June 18 addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner, Adhikari argued that the TMC's reservations about the agency, based solely on its geographic origin, pointed to an implicit regional bias. He underscored that Gujarat is an integral part of India and that companies from across the country should compete in tenders without discrimination.

Adhikari went further, suggesting that the TMC tends to label individuals and companies as 'outsiders' when it serves their political narrative. He also questioned the selection process for key administrative positions in West Bengal, alleging favoritism towards non-Bengali officials, despite eligible local candidates being available.

(With inputs from agencies.)