In a recent press conference, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) expressed concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process, accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of acting in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Key TMC figures, including state minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, who is contesting from the Dumdum Uttar constituency, and party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, representing Beleghata, voiced their grievances against the ECI.
Bhattacharya pointed out that Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the Chief Electoral Officer, was observed visiting Nandigram alongside Tapan Kumar Mahapatra, a local BJP leader. She emphasized that while officials have the right to visit any location, their associations with political figures can undermine public trust in the election process. “When electoral officials are seen with party representatives, it raises questions about their impartiality,” she remarked, stressing the importance of neutrality in electoral operations.
Ghosh echoed these sentiments, asserting that the ECI is operating under the influence of the BJP. He raised alarm over the removal of legitimate voters from the rolls, claiming that names from outside the state were being added in their place. “These incidents are not random; there is a discernible trend that the public is beginning to recognize,” he stated.
Highlighting perceived bias within the ECI, Ghosh referred to the case of Surajit Roy, who was previously designated as the Block Development Officer for Nandigram-II. The TMC had lodged a complaint against Roy’s appointment as the returning officer for Bhabanipur, citing his close ties with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is contesting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The party claimed to possess photographic evidence substantiating Roy’s connections with the opposition leader.
Ghosh accused the ECI of operating covertly on behalf of the BJP, labeling this situation as a serious issue that voters must be aware of ahead of the elections. He mentioned that despite numerous complaints submitted to the ECI, there has been no response. He also recounted an incident in Panihati where a sector officer was seen displaying BJP flags.
During the press meeting, the TMC also welcomed advocate Anirban Banerjee into the party. Ghosh confidently predicted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections, stating, “No matter how much they attack, Bengal will win again.” As of the time of this report, there had been no comment from the ECI or the BJP regarding the allegations made by the TMC.
