West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to face a major political challenge from Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP in the Bhabanipur constituency in south Kolkata, a seat considered her political stronghold. The contest follows Adhikari’s narrow 2021 victory over Banerjee in Nandigram by about 1,900 votes.
In a strategic move, the Trinamool Congress has fielded Pabitra Kar, once Adhikari’s close aide in Nandigram, forcing the BJP leader to divide attention between constituencies. Banerjee has won Bhabanipur three times, including a large-margin win over Priyanka Tibrewal. Analysts say an Adhikari victory could significantly reshape West Bengal politics.
The programme also discussed tensions in the Middle East affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and rising pollution concerns in Indian cities.
