KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL — Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has made strong political remarks during his visit to Kolkata ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, asserting that the Congress remains the principal opposition force capable of challenging the BJP at the national level.
Speaking on the state elections, Sukhu said that while the Trinamool Congress (TMC) may have originated from the Congress, the latter continues to be the main opposition party in the country. He emphasised that the Congress has fielded candidates who have remained committed to its ideology despite challenges, and urged voters to consider which party can effectively counter the BJP.
He stated that voters should carefully decide which political force can present a strong alternative, suggesting that the Congress is better positioned nationally to take on the ruling party.
On the Women’s Reservation Bill, Sukhu criticised the Centre’s approach, arguing that the failure of the bill reflects issues with intent rather than numbers alone. He said that if the government did not have the required two-thirds majority, it should have first engaged in wider consultations with all political parties.
Sukhu further questioned the timing of the bill, pointing out that bringing such a major constitutional amendment during an election period raised concerns about political motives. He alleged that the inclusion of delimitation in the process indicated that the move was driven more by political strategy than by genuine commitment to women’s empowerment.
“Defeating a bill does not directly impact elections,” he said, adding that intentions behind legislation matter more than political messaging. He подчеркнул that if the government had acted with transparency and consensus, the outcome could have been different.
The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister also spoke on the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He stated that such exercises should not be conducted close to elections, as it may create confusion and raise doubts among voters.
According to Sukhu, if SIR was necessary, it should have been carried out well in advance—at least two years before elections—or after the completion of the electoral process. He argued that timing such activities close to polls can lead to unnecessary controversy.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity in West Bengal, with leaders from various parties engaging in campaigns and debates over governance, electoral processes, and legislative decisions.
Political analysts note that statements like these reflect the broader contest between national and regional parties, as well as the ongoing debate over the Women’s Reservation Bill and electoral reforms.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s comments underline the Congress party’s attempt to position itself as the primary challenger to the BJP, while also raising concerns about the government’s legislative approach and electoral timing.
