Suvendu Adhikari refuses responsibility for BJP’s by-election defeat, claims role limited to opposition leader

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a significant defeat in the recent by-elections in West Bengal, losing all six constituencies where the polls were held. This loss has drawn attention to the party's performance as it prepares for the 2024 general elections. The BJP’s inability to secure any of the six seats has raised concerns among party members and observers alike, particularly given the strategic importance of these constituencies for the party’s future prospects in the state.

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, responded to the party's defeat by distancing himself from responsibility. In a clear statement, Adhikari remarked, “I am the leader of the opposition, not involved in the party's internal matters.” He emphasized that his role is focused on legislative duties and not on the party's organizational workings. Adhikari further noted that the BJP needs to focus on an election-oriented strategy and a movement-driven approach, particularly with the 2024 general elections in mind. He also mentioned that the party had not anticipated losses in any of the six constituencies, highlighting a disconnect between expectations and results.

Adhikari’s comments align with his previous statements during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he similarly refrained from taking responsibility for the party's underperformance. On that occasion, he had stated, "I don’t represent the party as a whole; I organize," explaining that his involvement is primarily limited to his district and that he does not interfere with the party’s internal organizational affairs. His remarks suggest that he views his responsibilities as Leader of Opposition to be distinct from the party's broader organizational duties.

BJP's state president, Sukanta Majumdar, responded to the by-election results by minimizing their impact. He explained that by-election losses are a routine occurrence and cited past instances, including the Kaliaganj by-election, where the party had faced a similar defeat but eventually won the seat in the 2021 Assembly elections. Majumdar expressed confidence that the party would perform better in the upcoming elections, specifically the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. He assured party members that despite the defeat, BJP remains a strong contender in the state’s political landscape.

Within the BJP, the defeat has also sparked internal discussions about leadership and organizational strategies. Senior BJP leader Tathagata Roy recently suggested that Suvendu Adhikari should be the next state president, emphasizing his leadership qualities and role in challenging Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Roy’s comments have fueled speculation about potential leadership changes within the party, especially as BJP prepares for the crucial 2024 elections.