Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission (EC), questioning the credibility of West Bengal's electoral process. He alleged that the poll body was acting in a biased and partisan manner, specifically targeting his party ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Accusations of Bias
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Banerjee said, "The Election Commission, which is supposed to be a neutral body, has lost its credibility. It is functioning as a tool of the central government to suppress the voice of the people of Bengal." He pointed to recent incidents of violence and alleged rigging in by-elections as evidence of the EC's failure to ensure free and fair polls.
Specific Allegations
Banerjee listed several instances where he claimed the EC had favored the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These included the deployment of central forces without consultation with the state government and the removal of district magistrates who were perceived as non-cooperative. He also accused the EC of turning a blind eye to hate speech and inflammatory remarks made by BJP leaders during campaigns.
Call for Action
The TMC leader demanded a thorough overhaul of the election machinery in the state. "We need a commission that is truly independent, not one that takes orders from the ruling party at the Centre," he stated. He urged the opposition parties to unite and press for reforms to restore faith in the electoral system.
Political Reactions
The BJP hit back, dismissing Banerjee's allegations as baseless. State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said, "The TMC is scared of losing power and is trying to create a narrative of victimhood. The EC has conducted elections fairly in Bengal, and we have full faith in its processes." Meanwhile, other opposition parties, including the Congress and the Left, have expressed solidarity with Banerjee's concerns, calling for a meeting of all like-minded parties to discuss the issue.
As the political temperature rises in West Bengal, all eyes are on the EC's next move. With the 2026 assembly elections less than a year away, the credibility of the electoral process remains a contentious issue, with both sides digging in their heels.
