The BJP’s Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, threatened the Bangladesh government, saying that the country would be over with two Rafale aircraft out of the 40 Rafale aircraft stationed at Hasimara.
Adhikari was addressing a crowd during a protest organised by several Hindu groups at Ghojadanga, near the Bangladesh border in Basirhat, North 24 Parganas district, on Tuesday against alleged attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
The BJP MLA stated that India does not depend on Bangladesh, but rather, Bangladesh depends on India. He emphasized that if India stopped exporting 97 products, Bangladesh would not receive essential goods like rice and clothes. He also claimed that without electricity supplied from Jharkhand, 80% of villages in Bangladesh would remain without power, The Indian Express reported.
The MLA further warned that India could send Rafale fighter aircraft in response, noting that there are 40 Rafale aircraft stationed at Hasimara, and even sending two of them would be sufficient to address the situation.
During the protest, concerns were raised about reported attacks on Hindu religious sites and alleged atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. The BJP and its allied organisations called for an end to these incidents and announced plans to intensify their campaigns.
Adhikari also commented on the political scenario in Bangladesh, alleging that the current government under Mohammed Yunu lacks legitimacy and is characterised by extremist tendencies. He expressed support for Sheikh Hasina’s return to power, describing her as the rightful leader of Bangladesh.
The protestors announced a large-scale meeting planned for mid-December to further address the issue and pledged continued advocacy for the protection of minorities and the restoration of stability in the neighbouring country.