Adhikari says Kudmi leader bought by Mamata, Mahato says ‘my spine not for sale’

Reacting to Adhikari’s allegations, Rajesh Mahato told reporters, “My spine is not for sale. I don't have to react to everything that is being said.”

Suvendu Adhikari, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee government, West Bengal, Kolkata, Indian Express, current affairs

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari

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Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday criticised West Bengal government for “misleading tribal communities” in the state and claimed that Kudmi community leader Rajesh Mahato had been “bought by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee”.

Addressing a public meeting at Pingboni village in Garbeta in Paschim Medinipur district, Adhikari said, “Earlier, Mamata had called Rajesh Mahato a criminal. Now, she is holding meetings with him. Rajesh too has compromised with his ideals and opted for Mamata Banerjee’s patronage. He has been bought by Mamata Banerjee. But let me tell you one thing. Rajesh may have been bought but the entire Kudmi community can never be bought by anyone. They do not believe in such things.”

Reacting to Adhikari’s allegations, Rajesh Mahato told reporters, “My spine is not for sale. I don’t have to react to everything that is being said.”

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Adhikari’s comments come a day after state president of West Bengal Kudmi Samaj Rajesh Mahato met the CM in Jhargram. Earlier in May this year, Kudmi leader Rajesh Mahato and others were arrested in connection with the attack on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee’s convoy during his Jana Sanjog Yatra. He is currently out on bail.

“The state government is trying to fool the Kudmi community. Do not get misled. I appeal to all of you to understand the politics of the state government,” said the Nandigram MLA.

Adhikari claimed that he had introduced Mamata Banerjee to the people of Junglemahal. “It was me who had made her familiar with the Junglemahal area. In 2009, I took her to Lalgarh to address a rally,” he said.

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