"TMC aims to win elections through intimidation": BJP's Dilip Ghosh

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 19 (ANI): BJP leader Dilip Ghosh alleged on Sunday that the ruling Trinamool Congress is attempting to win the 2026 assembly elections through "intimidation" and legislators were stopped from reaching out to the public.
His remarks came after the alleged attack on Darjeeling MP Raju Bista. The BJP leader further raised questions on the law and order situation in the State.
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh told ANI, "Violence is increasing across West Bengal. TMC aims to win elections through intimidation. As the possibility of SIR increases, their tension grows, their language shifts, and their attitude alters. How can elections be held here if representatives, MPs, and MLAs cannot meet the people? Where is the democracy here? If there is no security for such individuals, then where can ordinary citizens turn to?"
The incident reportedly took place in Masdhura near Sukhia Pokhari, where Bista was targeted while travelling in his convoy. The BJP leader described the incident as a "cowardly attack" and linked it to previous assaults on BJP leaders in the state.

In a Facebook post, Bista wrote, "Though those cowards had attacked me, the force of the attack fell on the vehicle immediately behind mine. The timing of the attack, following the announcement of an Interlocutor for our region, is highly suspicious, and points to a conspiracy at disturbing peace in our region."
The Darjeeling MP further asserted that such acts of violence would not deter him or his supporters from continuing their work for peace and development.
"If those who are loyal to Kolkata think that we will be fazed due to such attacks, they are wrong. We are not scared, and such cowardly attacks only embolden our spirits," he added.
Bista further said that those behind the attack would not succeed in their attempts to create unrest. "I am warning those who have tried to disturb peace today, we will not allow your attempts to succeed. We will work towards lasting peace in our region, and no force on earth can stop that from happening," he warned. (ANI)