A PIL in the Calcutta High Court challenges BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s candidature, alleging his speech against secularism violates the Constitution’s basic structure. The plea urges action by the Election Commission of India, citing concerns over communal harmony and constitutional values.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Calcutta High Court challenging the candidature of Suvendu Adhikari, who is currently the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, for the upcoming 2026 State Assembly elections. The petition raises serious constitutional concerns, alleging that his recent public statements go against the principle of secularism, which is a core value of the Indian Constitution.
The case has been filed by a petitioner named Soumo Mondal. In the plea, the petitioner has requested the Court to issue directions to the Election Commission of India and relevant State authorities to take action on complaints made against Adhikari and to cancel or revoke his candidature for the elections.
According to the petition, the controversy arises from statements allegedly made by Suvendu Adhikari during a public rally held near Bhawanipore on March 3. It is claimed that during the rally, Adhikari raised slogans stating that secularism is “unacceptable.” The petition further highlights another statement attributed to him where he said,
“I am an MLA of Hindus; Hindus made me an MLA.”
The petitioner has argued that these statements were not made casually or in isolation. Instead, they were delivered as part of a structured speech at a large political gathering. The speech was also recorded and widely circulated across digital and social media platforms, significantly increasing its reach and impact throughout the State.
As per the plea, such remarks are not only politically sensitive but also legally problematic. The petitioner claims that these statements have the potential to disturb communal harmony and promote exclusionary attitudes in public life, which goes against the inclusive nature of the Indian democratic system.
Importantly, the petition stresses that secularism is part of the “basic structure” of the Constitution of India, a doctrine that has been upheld repeatedly by the Supreme Court. Therefore, any public statement that appears to reject or undermine secularism is argued to be unconstitutional.
The petitioner has also pointed out alleged inaction by the authorities. Despite submitting formal representations along with video evidence of the speech, no action has reportedly been taken so far by the concerned authorities.
The PIL has been filed through advocate Kalu Halder, and the matter is expected to raise significant legal and constitutional questions regarding the limits of political speech, electoral eligibility, and the enforcement of constitutional values in the electoral process.
Case Title:
Soumo Monday Vs Union of India
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