Suvendu Adhikari runs into Nandigram memorial protest- escorted to Sonachura by central forces

Trinamul-led protesters on Sunday morning set forth chants of 'Mir Jafar' against his convoy

Suvendu Adhikari speaks at a programme in Nandigram on Sunday:  The Telegraph picture

Anshuman Phadikar   |   TT   |   Nandigram(Bengal)   |   15.03.21 ; BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was kept waiting for over two hours beside the Sonachura-Bhangabera road in East Midnapore’s Nandigram on Sunday morning by protesting Trinamul Congress workers who claimed he had lost his right to pay respects on the occasion of Shahid Divas following his defection to the saffron camp.

The stonewall at Sonachura prompted Adhikari to retort later in the day calling Mamata Banerjee the “real” traitor to Nandigram, citing her government’s promotion of at least three IPS officers who had allegedly been involved in police firing at farmers in 2007.

Adhikari attacked the chief minister at a rally organised by the 2007 land agitation veterans. Shahid Divas is observed in Nandigram on March 14 in remembrance of political workers who lost their lives in the police firing on the same day in 2007. The deceased were part of the anti-land acquisition movement spearheaded by Mamata.

On Sunday, both the BJP led by Adhikari and Trinamul led by East Midnapore district leaders marshalled their forces to outshine each other’s tributes on an occasion that is believed to influence the mood leading to the Assembly elections.

Tweeting on Sunday morning, the chief minister even went to the extent of stating that her Nandigram candidature was being made “as a mark of respect” to “this historic place”.

“The standoff in Sonachura on Sunday morning resulted in physical altercations between opposing party workers which was stemmed by local police forces before they got worse,” said a witness in Sonachura.

Trinamul-led protesters on Sunday morning set forth chants of “Mir Jafar” against Adhikari’s convoy, with attendees being vocal with their claim that Adhikari had “lost credibility and respect” among local residents.

“We will not allow him to enter Nandigram and pay his respects on a day like this,” said panchayat member Ashwini Patra, who claimed more than 500 Trinamul workers had joined him for the road blockade.

Adhikari was finally escorted to Sonachura shortly after noon by central forces and could pay respects to the victims of the land agitation. Later, he proceeded to an event organised by the Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee. Speaking to attendees and journalists, he said: “Police officers who were made to testify regarding the firing were later promoted by the chief minister personally.”

Sources said he was referring to Arun Gupta, Tanmay Roychowdhury and Satyajit Banerjee. Banerjee recently joined Trinamul following his retirement from government service.

“Such people have no business paying their respects on such a day,” said Adhikari, before going on to implore the crowd to name “the real Mir Jafar of Nandigram”.

The crowd responded with resounding chants of the chief minister’s name.

“If you think you can assign a few goons from Garchakraberia and have our democracy ruined, then you are wrong.… Central forces will be here this time,” he added.

Adhikari also went to Gokulnagar later in the day to attend a similar commemoration programme.

Trinamul leaders Bratya Basu, Purnendu Bose and Dola Sen paid Trinamul’s respects in Nandigram on Sunday in the absence of the chief minister who took part in an event in Calcutta.

Speaking to journalists, minister Basu said the BJP had “no right” in usurping the Nandigram narrative, although he admitted Adhikari did have “a say” in the discourse.

“The BJP has no business introducing their name into this narrative. They are total outsiders to what happened in 2007,” said Basu.