West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is on a two-day visit to Delhi, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. The meeting assumed significance as Adhikari was recently appointed as the leader of Opposition and the duo met in the backdrop of post-poll violence in West Bengal. On Tuesday, Adhikari had met BJP president J.P. Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed the current political landscape with top brass.
In an exclusive conversation with The Daily Guardian, after meeting PM Modi, Adhikari said that he had served TMC for over 21 years and had seen Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s style of rule very closely and hence briefed the PM about the prevailing situation in Bengal. However, he didn’t share with the media what transpired between the two leaders. Excerpts:
Q. West Bengal has witnessed post-poll violence. What’s the agenda of your Delhi tour?
A. I have two agenda mainly as far as my visit to Delhi is concerned: “Aashirwad” (blessings) and “Margdarshan” (guidance)…. I was given charge of the Nandigram constituency against sitting CM Mamata ji… I defeated the CM from Nandigram with the blessings of PM Modi and fulfilled the task brilliantly… then the party bestowed the post of LoP upon me… I came to thank our senior leaders for having faith in me.
Q. Did you discuss post-poll violence with PM Modi?
A. From the very beginning, I have been saying that this is not political violence but communal violence. Atrocities are being committed upon those who practice Sanatan (Hindu) Dharma. I won’t share what I discussed with PM Modi; however, action must be taken against perpetrators and those who are using it as a weapon.
Q. Do you also demand President’s rule in West Bengal?
A. I would say that this is a hypothetical question. Whatever party will decide, I will go by it. This is something which my senior command will take a call.