Trinamool Congress Calls for Action Against Suvendu Adhikari

The Trinamool Congress has formally communicated with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging immediate action against West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, for his perceived "inappropriate comments" regarding a meeting between Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Dubai Airport.

In their communication, the Trinamool Congress has emphatically demanded the reprimand of Mr. Adhikari, who is a BJP MLA, accusing him of "endeavoring to harm relations with Sri Lanka." The party characterized his statements as "malicious" and "a blatant attempt to undermine India's foreign relations."

The party further alleged that Mr. Adhikari had disparaged the economic situation in Sri Lanka and belittled the conversation between the Chief Minister and the leader of a foreign nation.

"We condemn LoP @SuvenduWB's irresponsible and derogatory remarks on the Sri Lankan economy and his deliberate attempt to strain foreign ties," the Trinamool Congress conveyed in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Rajya Sabha Parliamentary Party Leader, Mr. @derekobrienmp, has composed a letter addressed to Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar, beseeching immediate action against Mr. Adhikari for his malevolent endeavor to jeopardize the relations between the state of West Bengal and the Republic of Sri Lanka, which also has implications for the nation's broader diplomatic relations," the party added.

In a post on X, Suvendu Adhikari had written, "I am guessing what conversation might have taken place between the two:

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe - I have heard that you are leading your state towards an economic crisis like what Sri Lanka is facing?

Mamata Banerjee - If you can guide me how to borrow more money from the market, I will invite you to attend the next Bengal Global Business Summit."

"Ranil Wickremesinghe - But we are not in a position to invest? What good would happen by attending the Summit? Mamata Banerjee - Don't worry, you just come and enjoy for 2-3 days and sign an MOU. Anyways, everyone comes and signs MOU and nobody invests. I am just concerned about good headlines," the post had read.

Mamata Banerjee, en route to Spain, had an impromptu encounter with Mr. Wickremesinghe at Dubai Airport on Wednesday.