CM Adhikari: No One Is Above the Law in Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a strong attack on the previous government while replying to the discussion on the Home Department's budget in the Assembly, asserting that "no one is above the law" and outlining his government's law-and-order priorities.

The past TMC regime deliberately stopped hiring permanent police personnel, leaving over 43,000 posts vacant from DSP to Junior Constable. Their entire strategy was to replace genuine law enforcement with underpaid, politically exploited Civic Volunteers. Trinamool Congress had… pic.twitter.com/srjn8PZKu4

— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) July 22, 2026

Adhikari alleged that during the previous 13 years, there had been no meaningful discussion or question-and-answer session on the Home Department's budget despite it being one of the state's most important ministries. He accused the previous administration of weakening the police force by avoiding regular recruitment and relying on contractual civic volunteers for greater political control.

The Chief Minister claimed that political loyalty and extortion had become the basis for advancement under the previous regime, adding that his government was committed to restoring accountability and professionalism within the police.

Referring to the recent Baruipur incident, Adhikari said his government had demonstrated swift action in maintaining law and order. Addressing police personnel, he assured them of full support while directing them to act promptly against criminal activities. He also said action had already been initiated in the Abhaya case and that those responsible would face punishment.

Targeting both the previous Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) governments, Adhikari alleged that justice had not been delivered in incidents such as Nandigram and Garbeta.

He further accused both parties of institutional corruption and vowed strict legal action against those involved in unlawful activities.

"We will not spare anyone. Charge sheets will be filed, punishment will be ensured, and illegally acquired properties will be auctioned," he said.

Announcing major reforms in policing, the Chief Minister said the state government would recruit 20,000 personnel into the police force. He identified cybercrime as one of the biggest emerging threats and said dedicated cyber cells had already been established. He also warned that traffic police personnel accepting bribes would be identified through surveillance systems at Bhawani Bhavan.

Adhikari reiterated his government's zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, declaring there would be "no coal mafia and no sand mafia" in the state. He also announced that the government had signed an agreement with the Border Security Force (BSF) to strengthen coastal security.

On illegal immigration, the Chief Minister said that only those who are not Indian citizens would be deported in accordance with the law.

Referring to political violence since 2018, Adhikari condemned incidents such as egg-throwing and said police had already taken action. At the same time, he accused the previous government of more serious offences, including stone-pelting, attacks on women and demolition of houses, announcing that all such complaints would be reinvestigated.

Concluding his address, Adhikari declared that the rule of law would prevail under his administration.
"If you break the law, you too are not above the law," the Chief Minister said.