West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has described the October 6 Assembly by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar as a "test" for minority voters, asking them to decide whether they want to support the BJP government and work with the Chief Minister.
Addressing a rally in Haldia, East Midnapore, Adhikari said minority voters who had not supported the BJP would now have an opportunity to make their choice. "Your tests are in Rejinagar and Nandigram. Let's see whether you pass or fail. And the rest will be seen after the 18th," he said.
Both constituencies have sizeable minority electorates. Muslims account for around 65% of voters in Rejinagar in Murshidabad and around 26% in Nandigram in East Midnapore.
Suvendu Adhikari asks voters to decide on October 6
Suvendu Adhikari said administrative outreach and development services in Nandigram would continue seamlessly under BJP representation.
"No one could have ever imagined that BJP would win Nandigram by such a margin this time. Not only in Nandigram, but I have also defeated her (Mamata Banerjee) even across the Ganges. And for the minority who do not vote for us, who do not vote for BJP, now there is an opportunity for all of them to decide whether you will stay with the government or not. Whether you will work hand in hand with the Chief Minister or not, you will have to take this test on the 6th," Adhikari said.
The remarks have drawn criticism from the Trinamool Congress, which described the framing of the bypolls as a "test" for minorities as a threat.
TMC MP Saugata Roy said: "It is a threat. I condemn it. It shows the Chief Minister's communal mindset against Muslims."
Another TMC MP, Dola Sen, said India's "unity in diversity" should be upheld by those in charge of the administration.
"Our country stands for unity in diversity. I want the chief of our administration to also accept and uphold this. I would request, and wish from the bottom of our hearts, that the chief of our administration also recognises the diversity of our country. We wish that good sense prevails upon him," she said.
BJP defends the chief minister's remarks
The BJP defended Adhikari's comments, saying his appeal was about development rather than religion.
BJP leader Keya Ghosh accused the TMC, Left and Congress of treating minority communities as a vote bank.
"What the Chief Minister has said is absolutely correct. The opposition, be it the Trinamool, the Left, or the Congress, has treated minorities merely as a vote bank, always securing their votes for their own gain without delivering any actual development for them. That is why the Chief Minister has urged them to vote for development," Ghosh said.
The bypolls have also acquired added significance because both seats were vacated by candidates who had won from two constituencies in the 2026 Assembly elections. Adhikari retained Bhabanipur after winning both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, while All India United Progressive Party chief Humayun Kabir retained Nowda after winning both Nowda and Rejinagar. The Election Commission has scheduled polling for October 6 and counting for October 9.
BJP fields Hasirani Rath in Nandigram
The BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath, mother of Chandranath Rath, a close aide and former personal assistant to Adhikari who was shot dead on May 6, two days after the Assembly election results. The killing is being investigated by the CBI, according to reports.
In Rejinagar, the BJP has nominated Sakharav Sarkar, its former Murshidabad district president.
In the 2026 Assembly election, the BJP secured 50.56% of the vote in Nandigram. In Rejinagar, it finished second with 27.02%, while Humayun Kabir secured 51.62%.
The contests have also developed into multi-cornered battles. The Congress has fielded Milan Pradhan in Nandigram and Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi in Rejinagar, while the Left has nominated Shanti Gopal Giri and Sayeed Asad Ali respectively.
TMC faces competing claims over candidates
The bypolls are taking place amid an internal dispute within the Trinamool Congress, with rival factions claiming to represent the party. The Mamata Banerjee-led faction has fielded Sanchita Pradhan Dey in Nandigram and Rabiul Alam Chowdhury in Rejinagar, while the faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has nominated Mohammad Eteshamul Haque and Safiuzamman Sheikh respectively.
The Election Commission is considering the dispute over which faction is entitled to use the TMC's reserved election symbol, with an interim decision expected around September 17, according to reports.