Suvendu Adhikari Levels Serious Allegations Against Trinamul in Jalpaiguri; Accuses Party of Animal Smuggling and Corruption

In a startling turn of events, Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the Opposition, raised serious allegations against Trinamul leaders during a public meeting in Japaiguri, specifically accusing them of engaging in the illicit trade of animal smuggling and corruption. The accusations, including the smuggling of animals and timber, have ignited a controversy in North Bengal, further intensifying the political landscape in the region.

Adhikari, addressing the gathering in Chalsa, Jalpaiguri district, alleged that Trinamul leaders and workers are involved in smuggling various items, including reptiles, rhino horns, tiger skins, timber, and engaging in the illegal extraction of minor minerals like stones and pebbles from rivers.

"The depth of these allegations is alarming, as they encompass not just corruption but also activities that are detrimental to our environment and wildlife," Adhikari stated during his address.

He went on to claim that a section of divisional forest officers (DFOs) and forest rangers is contributing funds to Trinamul through illicit means, potentially linking corruption within the forestry department to the ruling party's coffers.

These accusations come at a time when the Mamata Banerjee government is under scrutiny for its policies in North Bengal, with Adhikari asserting that the government has failed to implement the 'Cha Sundari' scheme, intended for free housing for tea workers. Adhikari further criticized the allocation of land rights, emphasizing that it is granted to workers in tea gardens and not on government vested land.

Political observers believe that Adhikari's visit and scathing accusations are part of a broader strategy by the saffron camp in preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The BJP had demonstrated substantial success in the region in both the 2019 general elections and the 2021 Bengal Assembly polls. However, recent setbacks in civic polls and the Dhupguri Assembly bypoll have spurred renewed efforts to secure political ground.

As Adhikari's convoy headed towards Chalsa, protests erupted near Malbazar, where around 50 beneficiaries of the MGNREGS demonstrated due to unpaid wages. Adhikari attributed the protests to Trinamul's orchestration, emphasizing the political dimensions of the ongoing controversy.

In response, Mahua Gope, the Jalpaiguri district Trinamul president, condemned Adhikari's allegations, vowing to hold a public meeting in Chalsa as a form of protest. Trinamul leaders are also exploring legal options against the BJP leader, characterizing the accusations as an attempt to tarnish the party's image.

The unfolding developments underscore the heightened political tensions in North Bengal, as allegations of corruption and environmental malpractices intertwine, setting the stage for a contentious political landscape in the region.