Kolkata has once again witnessed a surge in political activity as Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and extended his support by joining a dharna staged by ex-servicemen in the state capital. The protest, which highlighted issues of neglect and unmet promises for the welfare of retired defense personnel, gained further visibility with Adhikari’s participation.
The move has triggered a heated exchange between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with both sides accusing each other of playing politics over the sacrifices of India’s soldiers.
The Dharna: A Voice of Ex-Servicemen
The dharna, organized by associations representing retired army personnel, paramilitary forces, and war veterans, sought government intervention in long-pending demands such as:
- Timely disbursal of pensions and arrears.
- Implementation of welfare schemes promised during elections.
- Job reservations for children of ex-servicemen.
- Improved healthcare facilities and rehabilitation support.
The veterans accused the West Bengal government of ignoring their contributions and failing to provide basic facilities despite repeated assurances.
Suvendu Adhikari, joining the protest, echoed their concerns and stated:
“Our soldiers have given their lives and youth for the safety of the nation. It is shameful that Mamata Banerjee’s government continues to turn a blind eye to their rightful demands. This fight is not political, it is a moral duty.”
Suvendu Adhikari’s Criticism of Mamata Banerjee
Adhikari directly blamed the Chief Minister for “systematic neglect” of ex-servicemen’s welfare. His key allegations included:
- Failure to Allocate Funds: He claimed that schemes announced for soldiers in the state budget were never executed.
- Political Prioritisation: Accused Mamata Banerjee of focusing more on appeasement politics than on national heroes.
- Broken Promises: Highlighted how commitments made during election campaigns have remained unfulfilled.
- Disrespect to Soldiers: Criticised the state for not honoring ex-servicemen adequately in public forums and events.
The BJP leader’s sharp words have reignited the political narrative ahead of upcoming panchayat elections and the 2026 assembly polls, where both parties are expected to face off fiercely.
TMC’s Counterattack
The Trinamool Congress dismissed Adhikari’s remarks as political theatrics. Senior party leaders argued that:
- Welfare programs for ex-servicemen, including housing schemes and medical insurance, are already in place.
- The BJP is attempting to politicise the sacrifices of veterans to gain electoral mileage.
- Mamata Banerjee has consistently honored the armed forces, including hosting annual felicitation ceremonies for retired officers.
The TMC further accused the BJP of failing to address veterans’ issues at the central level, pointing to delays in implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) and other nationwide benefits.
Pivot Analysis: Ex-Servicemen’s Demands vs Government Action
| Key Demand of Ex-Servicemen | State Govt Response (as claimed by TMC) | Ex-Servicemen’s Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Timely pension and arrear payments | Budgetary provisions made | Delays and inconsistencies persist |
| Employment for children of veterans | Announced but not widely implemented | Few beneficiaries recorded |
| Healthcare & rehabilitation support | Insurance and hospital tie-ups available | Lack of proper execution, rural areas neglected |
| Public recognition of contribution | Annual felicitation ceremonies | Limited outreach, symbolic rather than impactful |
This pivot clearly illustrates the gap between policy announcement and ground-level execution, which remains the core grievance of the veterans.
Public Sentiment and Political Implications
The issue has triggered strong emotional reactions in West Bengal. The armed forces community, widely respected across the nation, commands significant moral influence.
- BJP’s Strategy: By aligning with ex-servicemen, Suvendu Adhikari aims to project the BJP as the defender of national heroes, reinforcing its nationalist image.
- TMC’s Challenge: The ruling party faces the challenge of balancing its political narrative while ensuring that ex-servicemen do not feel alienated.
- Voter Impact: Rural and semi-urban voters, where many families have a history of sending members into the armed forces, could be swayed by this issue in future elections.
Ex-Servicemen’s Role in Bengal’s Political Landscape
West Bengal has a long tradition of producing soldiers for the Indian Army and paramilitary forces, particularly from districts like Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and South 24 Parganas. The ex-servicemen community is sizable and influential, making their grievances politically significant.
Historically, both the Left and TMC governments have attempted to engage with veterans, but dissatisfaction has persisted due to bureaucratic red tape and lack of consistent policy execution.
Pivot Table: Political Positioning on Ex-Servicemen
| Political Party | Stand on Ex-Servicemen’s Issues | Current Strategy | Public Perception |
|---|---|---|---|
| BJP | Strongly vocal, aligning protests with national pride | Mobilising ex-servicemen and families for electoral gain | Seen as defenders of veterans’ rights |
| TMC | Claims existing schemes are sufficient, blames Centre for lapses | Counter BJP narrative, highlight state schemes | Perceived as less responsive to grassroots demands |
| Congress & Left | Minimal engagement in current discourse | Focus on local issues rather than ex-servicemen | Limited influence compared to BJP and TMC |
The Way Forward
For ex-servicemen, the dharna has provided a platform to amplify their voices. Their future course of action may involve:
- Expanding protests across districts to put pressure on the state government.
- Seeking dialogue with central authorities for nationwide support.
- Mobilising voters to influence upcoming elections if demands remain unmet.
For political parties, the challenge lies in addressing veterans’ concerns without appearing opportunistic. A failure to resolve the issue could backfire on both sides, alienating a respected section of society.
Conclusion
The Suvendu Adhikari vs Mamata Banerjee clash over ex-servicemen’s demands highlights the complex intersection of politics, governance, and public sentiment in West Bengal. By joining the dharna, Adhikari has sharpened BJP’s nationalist positioning, while the TMC now faces the task of proving its commitment to the welfare of veterans.
The ex-servicemen, however, remain the true stakeholders. Their demand is simple: honor, recognition, and welfare for their sacrifices. As the political battle heats up, the question remains whether the focus will remain on their genuine concerns or be drowned in the noise of electoral politics.
Disclaimer: This article is based on political developments and public statements made in West Bengal. The views and interpretations reflect the unfolding situation and may change with further updates.
