Tue Dec 31 12:51:31 UTC 2024: ## BJP vows inquiry into Sandeshkhali allegations after Mamata Banerjee’s visit
**North 24 Parganas, West Bengal:** The political battle over Sandeshkhali island intensified today with West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, visiting the area a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s visit. Sandeshkhali, which gained notoriety earlier this year due to allegations of exploitation of women and land grabs, became a key campaign point during the Lok Sabha elections.
Banerjee, during her visit, dismissed the allegations as lies and suggested a large-scale money laundering scheme was at play. Adhikari, a former Banerjee aide who now leads the BJP’s charge in the state, retaliated with a strong warning. He promised a commission of inquiry into the Sandeshkhali incident if the BJP forms the state government, vowing to hold Banerjee accountable for alleged false imprisonment of women involved. “We will take revenge, with interest,” he declared.
Despite the controversy, the Trinamool Congress retained the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat (which includes Sandeshkhali) during the recent elections. However, with a by-election looming in Basirhat following the death of MP Haji Nurul Islam, Sandeshkhali is expected to again become a major campaign issue. The BJP, which fielded a local candidate from Sandeshkhali in the last election, is likely to do so again.
Banerjee, anticipating the by-election, directly addressed the women of Sandeshkhali, urging them not to fall prey to “bad men” and warning against the manipulative nature of false promises and monetary inducements. She reiterated her claim that the allegations against her party were baseless. The upcoming by-election promises a fierce contest, with the Sandeshkhali controversy continuing to be a focal point.
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