Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP Ceased to Visit Sandeshkhali in Bengal

Following their refusal to visit the island this morning, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and CPM leader Brinda Karat are expected to engage in yet another political showdown in West Bengal over the Sandeshkhali issue. Due to the BJP's accusations of sexual violence by Trinamool leaders and numerous reports from women alleging harassment and extortion, the Sandeshkhali island in the North 24 Parganas district has gained media attention.
The Bengal Assembly's Leader of Opposition, Mr. Adhikari, was prevented from boarding a ferry to transport him and his supporters to the island at Dhamakhali. This is his third trip to Sandeshkhali following the political uproar caused by the accusations made against Trinamool leaders.By the way, yesterday's Calcutta High Court decision permitted Mr. Adhikari to travel to Sandeshkhali. It requested that the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party submit an oath promising that neither he nor his allies would take part in any actions that could worsen the state of law and order. However, barricades were seen being erected this morning at Dhamakhali by police and members of the riot control force in an attempt to stop the BJP leader and his supporters. Furthermore, prohibitory orders were enforced by the local government in Sandeshkhali, prohibiting public gatherings on the island.Before Ms. Karat could travel to the island, she was also stopped at Dhamakhali. Supporters of the BJP and CPM are currently demonstrating in Dhamakhali.

The BJP has claimed that supporters of local Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan harassed women sexually, putting the island at the center of a heated political dispute. Reports from the ground by NDTV exposed claims of extortion and land grabs, with locals accusing Shahjahan's aides of stealing money they were given through federal and state government welfare programs.Since a mob attacked an Enforcement Directorate team conducting raids against Mr. Shahjahan in a corruption case, Mr. Shahjahan has been evading capture for the past month. Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra, two of his assistants, have been taken into custody.

According to state police, 17 people have been taken into custody, and camps have been established in Sandeshkhali to document locals' complaints.
With party leader Mamata Banerjee claiming that Sandeshkhali has a "RSS base" and alluding to the organization's involvement in the disturbances, the ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of causing unrest on the island.