TMC MLA Suman Kanjilal’s name in PM Modi’s Bengal rally poster sparks political controversy

A political controversy has arisen during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Alipurduar, West Bengal, after the inclusion of MLA Suman Kanjilal’s name in the event’s promotional posters and advertisements. Suman Kanjilal contested the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Alipurduar and won the seat.

In 2023, Kanjilal switched allegiance and joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Abhishek Banerjee. Since joining TMC, he has been actively involved in the party’s activities and has participated in various programs organized by the party. Despite this shift, his name appeared on the BJP’s promotional material for the Prime Minister’s rally scheduled at the Alipurduar Parade Ground.

The rally posters also featured the names of Manoj Tigga, the current Member of Parliament (MP) from Alipurduar representing the BJP, and Anant Maharaj, a Rajya Sabha MP from North Bengal. Although there have been reports of some distance between Maharaj and the BJP in recent times, he remains formally associated with the party, which explains his inclusion in the event’s invitations.

This development has drawn attention to the political dynamics in the region, especially with the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approaching. The BJP’s planned visit by the Prime Minister is seen as a part of its broader electoral strategy in the state. The presence of these names on official promotional material is considered notable in the context of political alignments and campaigning preparations.

No official statements have been released by the BJP or TMC regarding the inclusion of Suman Kanjilal’s name on the rally poster. The issue continues to generate discussions in political circles as both parties prepare for the upcoming elections in West Bengal.