The Calcutta High Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation aimed at revoking Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari’s candidacy in the Bhabanipur constituency, scheduled for the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections on April 29. Adhikari is contesting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in this constituency. The petitioner alleged that Adhikari’s comments went against the nation’s secular principles but failed to specify the constitutional basis for canceling his nomination.
Adhikari’s lawyer argued that the petition was politically motivated to influence his candidacy. Following arguments from both sides, the High Court dismissed the PIL. Earlier, Adhikari had made controversial remarks on secularism during a public event, leading to the filing of the petition seeking cancellation of his candidature. The court ruled against the petition, citing lack of constitutional grounds for the challenge.
The first phase of West Bengal Assembly elections has already taken place on April 23, covering 152 constituencies. The remaining 142 constituencies, including Bhabanipur, will go to polls on April 29, with the vote count scheduled for May 4. The controversy surrounding Adhikari’s candidacy adds a political dimension to the upcoming elections in the state.
