Jairam Mahato hits back at Suvendu Adhikari, says ‘wait a little’

The political exchange between West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Jharkhand MLA Jairam Mahato has intensified following remarks made at a Kurmi community gathering in Purulia, with Mahato saying he would respond to the Chief Minister “with facts and arguments”.

Mahato, the Dumri MLA, posted his response on social media after Adhikari’s remarks at the Karam Parab Mahajutan in Purulia on Sunday.

“Respected Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ji, Johar. If a legislator or MP had made such a comment, I would have ignored it. But you are the Chief Minister of a state, so there will certainly be a response to this action, and that too with facts and arguments. Please wait a little,” Mahato said in his post.

Mahato did not elaborate on the issue or specify what points he would raise in his detailed response.

The exchange follows remarks by Adhikari at the Purulia gathering, where he appealed to the Kurmi community to support leadership that could effectively take up its demands on political and constitutional platforms. Reports on the event said Adhikari also referred to comments allegedly made by a new leader from Jharkhand about the programme being organised with BJP funds.

The event was organised by the Adivasi Kurmi Samaj at Karadi ground in Purulia and drew significant attention because of the participation of Adhikari and other political leaders. The programme also focused on issues concerning the Kurmi community, including language, cultural identity and long-standing demands.

The organisers have rejected suggestions that the event was sponsored by a political party. According to reports, organiser Ajit Prasad Mahato said the programme was funded through contributions from members of the community.

Adhikari also made several announcements concerning the Kurmi community during the programme, including assurances related to pending cases involving participants in Kurmi movements and steps concerning the recognition of the Kurmali language.

Mahato’s brief “wait a little” response has now set the stage for a more detailed political exchange, with attention likely to remain focused on the facts and arguments he has indicated he will present.