Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 19 (ANI): Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari has strongly condemned the alleged attack on Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, accusing Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers of orchestrating the assault.

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 post on X, Adhikari wrote, 'I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on my colleague and MP from Darjeeling, Shri Raju Bista Ji, in Masdhura near Sukhia Pokhari. This attack follows the deadly and life-threatening attack on MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Dr Shankar Ghosh.'

https://x.com/SuvenduWB/status/1979572824017940899

He alleged that the assault was carried out by 'TMC goons' with the intent to inflict serious harm. He also highlighted Bista's ongoing relief work following recent floods in North Bengal and said that the ruling party was threatened by his growing popularity among the people.

'This heinous act by TMC goons, targeting his convoy with the intention of grievously hurting him, reeks of desperation and fear. Shri Raju Bista's relentless relief work and dedication to the people after the devastating floods have clearly rattled the TMC, who resort to such vile tactics to silence him. But let me make it clear, these cowardly attacks will only strengthen our resolve,' Adhikari Wrote.

Reiterating the BJP's commitment to standing by its leaders and supporters, Adhikari asserted that such attacks would not deter the party's resolve. 'But let me make it clear, these cowardly attacks will only strengthen our resolve. Not only the people of Darjeeling but people across the State of West Bengal stand with him, and he will continue this good work with double the vigour,' he added.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, on Saturday alleged that his convoy was attacked by unidentified miscreants near Masdhura, close to Sukhia Pokhari in West Bengal's Darjeeling district.

The incident, he said, occurred shortly after the announcement of an interlocutor for the region, raising suspicion of a larger conspiracy aimed at disturbing peace in the hills.

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)