Suvendu Adhikari faces backlash from own supporters as Islamophobic comments flood his Eid post

Kolkata: A social media post by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari extending Eid-ul-Adha greetings has triggered a sharp backlash from sections of his own supporters, with several users posting comments that critics have described as Islamophobic.

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, Adhikari wrote on social media: ‘Greetings to all those who are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha. Wishing you & your families peace and prosperity.’

While many users responded positively to the message, a section of commenters questioned why the newly-elected CM had chosen to publicly greet Muslims on the festival.

Among the comments posted under Adhikari’s message were:

“NO! No Eid in the land of Sanatan Dharma. No festival of the Muslim invaders should be celebrated in India.”

Another user wrote: ‘Muslim occasions where they celebrate by slaughtering cows must be banned in Bharatborsho! Hindu dominated country must not allow this; we worship cows as Bhagavan Bishnu!!’

A separate comment stated: ‘Don't wish a sacred day of a religion of terrorism against non muslim around World publically. Take an iron hand against Islamic terrorism.’

Some supporters also accused Adhikari of engaging in minority appeasement. One comment read:

‘What the hell! What do you think you are doing? Just reminding you that no Muslims voted for you; after getting the seat (Maharaja), you are becoming the same SHITT like PAGLI was doing for long. Have you changed? What type of appeasement is this? What r u proofing? No one expected this from you!!’

Another user questioned the greeting itself, writing: ‘Does the word peace go with them? But hoping they will walk that path from now onwards. Dada.’

The reaction is significant because Adhikari has built much of his political image around issues linked to Hindu identity and cultural nationalism. '

The criticism suggests that a section of his online support base viewed even a customary festival greeting as a departure from the political messaging they associate with him.

Political leaders across party lines routinely extend greetings on major religious festivals celebrated in India, including Eid, Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas and Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Adhikari’s Eid message was in line with that convention and did not contain any political remarks beyond wishing peace and prosperity to those celebrating the festival.

The episode has nevertheless sparked discussion on social media, with many users highlighting the nature of the responses posted under the message.

As screenshots of the comments continue to circulate online, the focus has shifted from the greeting itself to the polarised reactions it generated among sections of the BJP leader’s supporters.