Escalating the bitter political rivalry in West Bengal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has filed a defamation suit against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking Rs 100 crore in damages. The case was lodged on January 16 at the Alipore court after Banerjee allegedly failed to respond to a prior legal notice. Adhikari accused the Trinamool Congress supremo of making “vile and imaginary” claims linking him to an alleged coal smuggling scam, which he described as baseless and damaging to his reputation.
The controversy stems from statements made by Mamata Banerjee on January 8 and 9, 2026, during public addresses amid protests over Enforcement Directorate raids. She reportedly alleged that proceeds from the coal scam were routed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through Adhikari, claiming to possess evidence but providing none. Adhikari, a former TMC minister who switched to BJP before the 2021 assembly polls, sent a legal notice demanding proof within 72 hours or face legal action. When no reply came, he proceeded with the suit, vowing to donate any awarded damages to charity.
In a strongly worded post on X, Adhikari declared, “I honour my commitments while you obfuscate issues… Your deceptive silence… will not help you salvage the situation.” He emphasized fulfilling his word by dragging Banerjee to court for what he called “deceitful misadventures.” The BJP leader reiterated that Banerjee’s allegations were a product of an “insalubrious mindset” and challenged her to substantiate them in court. This move intensifies the ongoing TMC-BJP face-off in the state, where Adhikari has been a vocal critic of the ruling dispensation.
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The suit highlights broader tensions in West Bengal politics, including accusations of corruption, central agency overreach, and personal attacks between key figures. Adhikari’s legal action is seen as a strategic counter to Banerjee’s narrative, aiming to clear his name and shift focus onto her unsubstantiated claims. No immediate response has come from Mamata Banerjee or the TMC on the filing, but it is likely to spark further debates in assembly sessions and public discourse.
This high-stakes defamation battle underscores the polarized atmosphere in West Bengal ahead of future electoral battles. Legal experts note that such cases often drag on, serving more as political tools than quick resolutions. Adhikari’s pledge to channel any winnings to charity adds a moral dimension, positioning the suit as a fight for truth and accountability in public life.
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