A public interest litigation petition has been filed before the Calcutta High Court seeking cancellation of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari’s candidature for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections over his statements contrary to secularism [Soumo Monday Vs Union of India].

The petition was filed by one Soumo Mondal seeking directions to the Election Commission of India and State authorities to act on complaints against Adhikari and revoke his candidature.

According to the plea, Adhikari made statements against secularism during a public rally near Bhawanipore on March 3. He allegedly raised slogans stating that secularism is “unacceptable.”

The petition also referred to a statement attributed to him: “I am an MLA of Hindus; Hindus made me an MLA.”

As per the plea, these remarks, which were made at a large political gathering and formed part of a structured public address, were not casual statements. The speech was recorded and later circulated on digital and social media platforms thus amplifying its reach across the State.

According to the petition, such statements have the potential to disturb communal harmony and promote exclusion in public life.

Secularism is part of the basic structure of the Constitution and any public call to reject it is unconstitutional, the plea said.

The petitioner also alleged inaction by authorities since no steps were taken though representations were submitted along with video evidence of the speech.

The plea was filed through advocate Kalu Halder.