KOLKATA: Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday termed the TMC government in West Bengal as "pro-jihadi" and said he will not give up his fight against it till it is ousted and a "nationalist government" comes to power in the state.
Adhikari and senior BJP leaders took part in a rally from Golpark to Hazra crossing during the day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
His comment drew sharp reaction from the TMC which said it smacks of "frustration" of Adhikari and the saffron camp, which failed to clinch power in West Bengal despite the high pitch poll campaign.
"We all know how Syama Prasad Mookerjee had fought and gave his life demanding the removal of special provisions in Kashmir. Drawing inspiration from his fight, the BJP in Bengal will continue its fight until the pro-Jihadi TMC government is ousted from power," Adhikari said addressing the rally.
"The day is not far away when we will succeed in ensuring a nationalist government comes to power in Bengal," Adhikari said addressing the rally.
The BJP leader also said "anti-national elements" are having a "free run" in West Bengal under the TMC regime.
"The TMC government to appease its vote bank has turned into a mute spectator and is allowing these anti-national elements to call the shot. This situation has to change and we (BJP) will change it," he said.
Hitting back, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said Adhikari's comments reflect his frustration as his dreams of becoming chief minister were "shattered" after the defeat that BJP suffered in the hands of Mamata Banerjee's party in the state poll last year.