Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari claimed on Tuesday that only a few Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders joined party chief Mamata Banerjee’s sit-in protest in Kolkata against alleged attacks on TMC workers after the elections.

The Chief Minister was speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the famous Tarakeswar temple in Hooghly district. He said, “Only three MPs and six MLAs attended Mamata Banerjee’s protest demonstration… The condition of TMC is now pitiable. It has become like Falta.” After the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) landslide victory in the assembly elections, Banerjee held a day-long sit-in protest in central Kolkata on Tuesday against alleged attacks on TMC workers and leaders.

In the re-polling held for the Falta assembly seat, the BJP won by a margin of over one lakh votes. This constituency had long been considered a TMC stronghold, where the party’s candidate Jahangir Khan finished fourth and forfeited his deposit. Adhikari offered prayers at the Shiva temple in Tarakeswar and said this temple holds an important place in Bengal’s political history. The Chief Minister said, “Hinduism is still flourishing in Bengal. I offered prayers at the temple.” He said, “Some steps are being taken regarding the Tarakeswar temple. However, I will not reveal anything about this before tomorrow’s cabinet meeting.”

Tarakeswar temple

The Tarakeswar Temple, located in the town of Tarakeswar in West Bengal, India, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its history dates back to the 18th century when it was built by Raja Bharamalla, and it is famous for its unique “Shiva linga” and the annual “Gajan” festival. The temple holds significant spiritual importance as a major pilgrimage site, drawing devotees who seek blessings and perform rituals for their ancestors.

Hooghly district

Hooghly district in West Bengal, India, is historically significant as a key center of early European colonial activity, particularly the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, who established trading posts along the Hooghly River in the 16th–17th centuries. It is home to the famous Bandel Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in Bengal, and the ancient Hooghly Imambara, reflecting its rich multicultural heritage. The district also played a role in the Bengal Renaissance and later became an important industrial and agricultural hub.

Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a major cultural and commercial hub in eastern India, founded by the British East India Company in 1690. It served as the capital of British India from 1772 until 1911 and was a center of the Indian independence movement, as well as the Bengal Renaissance. Today, it is renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge.

Falta assembly seat

The Falta Assembly seat is a legislative constituency in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. Its history is tied to the region’s role in the colonial era, as Falta was historically a trading post for European powers, including the Portuguese and British. Today, the seat is an important part of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, representing the local population in state governance.

Shiva temple in Tarakeswar

The Shiva temple in Tarakeswar, located in West Bengal, India, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its history dates back over 400 years, with the current temple structure built in the early 18th century by Raja Bharamalla, and it is particularly famous for its annual fair and the sacred tank where devotees perform ritual baths.