Suvendu Adhikari Appeals to Governor C V Ananda Bose — The political tension in West Bengal escalated sharply after Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, publicly called upon Governor C.V. Ananda Bose to exercise his constitutional powers to ensure swift justice in the assault on BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh in North Bengal. Adhikari’s move comes amid allegations of administrative bias, slow police action, and the filing of a legal petition in the Calcutta High Court highlighting the state government’s obstruction in lodging FIRs against individuals allegedly affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The incident, which occurred in Jalpaiguri district’s Nagrakata area during flood relief visits, has ignited a debate over governance, law enforcement, and constitutional responsibility, making it a flashpoint in Bengal’s increasingly polarized political landscape.
The Assault: Sequence of Events and Immediate Repercussions
On October 6, 2025, Khagen Murmu, MP representing the region, along with Sankar Ghosh, MLA, were visiting flood-affected villages in Nagrakata to assess relief measures and meet victims. During their visit, they were attacked by a mob wielding sticks and stones, resulting in head and facial injuries for Murmu and damage to official vehicles.
The BJP immediately accused local TMC supporters of orchestrating the attack to intimidate opposition leaders, while the TMC dismissed these allegations, citing public anger over relief efforts and miscommunication as potential triggers. The violent encounter left both leaders hospitalized, prompting widespread criticism from political and civil society circles regarding law and order in the region.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of five individuals by Jalpaiguri police for their alleged involvement in the attack. Critics, however, questioned the timeliness and impartiality of the arrests, citing potential delays and selective action.
Suvendu Adhikari’s Constitutional Appeal to the Governor
In a press briefing, Adhikari emphasized that the state government holds primary responsibility for maintaining law and order and protecting elected representatives. He urged Governor C.V. Ananda Bose to exercise his constitutional authority to ensure that justice is not impeded.
“The Union government has nothing to do with this. Our MP and MLA have been attacked; justice must come from within Bengal. It is the Governor’s constitutional duty to ensure that law and order is upheld,” Adhikari stated.
Adhikari cited prior assurances given by Governor Bose in similar situations, particularly during communal tensions in Murshidabad, stressing that constitutional oversight is vital when elected officials face threats or harm.
Suvendu Adhikari Appeals to Governor C V Ananda Bose: High Court Intervention and FIR Controversies
The legal dimension of the case intensified as Lawyer Anindya Sundar Das moved the Calcutta High Court, alleging obstruction by the state government in lodging FIRs against certain TMC members implicated in the assault. A vacation bench led by Justice Kaushik Chanda allowed the petition to proceed and scheduled hearings, signaling judicial oversight on administrative action.
The High Court’s intervention highlights concerns over potential misuse of state authority and underscores the need for transparency and impartiality in investigations. If FIRs are found to have been blocked, the judiciary could mandate independent investigations or direct the police to act without political interference.
Political Reactions and Partisan Tensions
BJP’s Perspective
The BJP has strongly backed Adhikari’s appeal, framing the assault as indicative of lawlessness under TMC rule. Party leaders have suggested that the governor may need to consider stronger constitutional remedies, including independent investigations or, in extreme cases, reporting to the President if governance failures persist.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar stated that the scale and coordination of the attack suggest tacit complicity at higher political levels, raising serious questions about the state government’s neutrality in law enforcement.
TMC’s Response
The ruling TMC, however, dismissed the opposition’s move as a political stunt, claiming that Adhikari was exploiting the situation to sow political unrest. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Murmu in the hospital, urging calm and emphasizing that the political narrative should not overshadow relief and recovery efforts in flood-affected areas.
Civil Society Concerns and Media Analysis
Legal analysts and civil society observers have viewed Adhikari’s appeal as both a political strategy and a test of institutional accountability. With 2026 Assembly elections approaching, the handling of this assault has broader implications for electoral integrity, voter perception, and political stability in North Bengal.
Commentators warn that politicizing law enforcement could deepen societal divisions and compromise trust in governance, while others argue that constitutional intervention by the governor may be necessary to restore confidence in the rule of law.
Potential Constitutional Remedies and Governor’s Role
If Governor Bose chooses to act, his options could include:
- Requesting detailed reports from the Chief Minister and DGP on police action.
- Directing the formation of an independent or special investigation team to ensure impartiality.
- Advising the Chief Minister to facilitate judicial monitoring or appointing state-level oversight committees.
- Reporting governance lapses to the President or Union Home Ministry if administrative failure is evident.
- In extraordinary circumstances, recommending President’s Rule, though this is considered a highly sensitive political move.
Any of these steps would underscore the constitutional checks and balances designed to protect citizens and elected representatives in situations where the state apparatus may be compromised.
Implications for Law and Governance in Bengal
The assault and its aftermath have raised multiple concerns:
- Law Enforcement Credibility: Delays or partiality in police action can erode public trust in law enforcement institutions.
- Political Polarization: The attack has intensified partisan divides, with both parties seeking to frame the narrative in their favor.
- Judicial Oversight: High Court intervention signals increased scrutiny over the executive and administrative processes.
- Voter Perception: Incidents of political violence can influence voter sentiment in the run-up to crucial elections, especially in swing constituencies of North Bengal.
- Constitutional Precedent: The governor’s response could set an important precedent for handling assaults on elected representatives across India.
Next Steps: Monitoring, Investigation, and Public Communication
Authorities and observers are watching for:
- High Court hearings and judicial directives regarding FIRs and investigation transparency.
- Governor’s public statements or official action, potentially shaping the legal and political discourse.
- Police investigations, including further arrests and evidence collection.
- Public demonstrations or political mobilization in response to the case.
- Media narratives, which are likely to influence voter perception and political debates leading up to elections.
Conclusion: A Constitutional and Political Test for Bengal
The assault on Khagen Murmu and Sankar Ghosh has evolved from a criminal incident into a significant test of governance, law enforcement, and constitutional oversight in West Bengal. Suvendu Adhikari’s appeal to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose places constitutional responsibility at the forefront, highlighting the need for impartiality, transparency, and accountability in political and administrative processes.
The governor’s response, combined with High Court scrutiny, will play a crucial role in shaping the perception of justice and institutional integrity in Bengal. For both political parties and civil society, the handling of this case represents a benchmark for democratic norms and the rule of law in one of India’s most politically dynamic states.
External References for Further Context:
- Election Commission of India – Official Website
- Supreme Court of India – Constitutional Remedies
- National Voters’ Service Portal
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