Goa, July 12 -- A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari advised people to avoid visiting Muslim-majority areas. His remarks, perceived as communal, drew a strong response from the ruling Trinamool Congress, which condemned the statement as a "calculated act of communal provocation."

The BJP leader made the controversial suggestion in response to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent appeal encouraging citizens to travel to Jammu and Kashmir. Banerjee's appeal followed her meeting with J&K National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and aimed to revive tourism in the Union Territory after the tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.

Reacting sharply, TM...