ElectionIntegrity – Abhishek Banerjee Raises Concerns Over Bengal Poll Transparency
ElectionIntegrity – Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the conduct of the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, alleging irregularities in the voting process and accusing constitutional authorities of failing to maintain neutrality during the polls.
TMC Questions Fairness of Electoral Process
In his first public reaction after the election results were announced, the Trinamool Congress national general secretary claimed that several institutions responsible for overseeing the democratic process did not function in an impartial manner. He alleged that the actions of certain government agencies and the Election Commission created doubts over the transparency and credibility of the elections.
Banerjee, who represents Diamond Harbour in Parliament, said many voters and party workers were left disturbed by developments during the polls. According to him, the electoral process should remain free from any perception of bias in order to protect public confidence in democracy.
Allegations Over Voter Disenfranchisement and EVM Handling
The senior TMC leader further claimed that a significant number of eligible voters were allegedly removed from electoral rolls, which he said impacted the fairness of the election. He also raised concerns regarding the management and transportation of Electronic Voting Machines during the polling and counting process.
Banerjee alleged that there were irregularities involving control units connected to EVMs and stated that these incidents had prompted serious questions among citizens about whether the final outcome reflected the actual public mandate.
To improve transparency, he demanded the release of CCTV footage from counting centres and called for a detailed verification of VVPAT slips. According to him, democratic institutions can function effectively only when voters trust the electoral system and believe that elections are conducted fairly.
Concerns Over Post-Poll Violence
Apart from raising electoral concerns, Banerjee also spoke about incidents of violence reported after the declaration of results. He alleged that several Trinamool Congress workers and supporters faced threats, intimidation and attacks in different areas.
According to his statement, some party workers were reportedly forced to leave their homes due to fear and insecurity. He described such incidents as unacceptable in a democratic environment and stressed that political workers should never feel unsafe because of their ideological beliefs.
Banerjee urged party members to remain united and assured them that the party leadership would extend support to anyone facing threats or violence. He also encouraged affected workers to contact him directly for assistance and legal support.
BJP Had Earlier Raised Similar Allegations
The issue of post-election violence has remained a major political flashpoint in West Bengal in recent years. After the 2021 Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party had also accused political rivals of targeting its workers in the state.
Those allegations later resulted in intervention from the Calcutta High Court, which ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the incidents related to post-poll violence.
TMC Says It Will Continue Opposition Role
Banerjee reaffirmed that the Trinamool Congress would continue to function as a strong opposition voice both in West Bengal and at the national level. He said the party would continue its political fight under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while focusing on democratic values, constitutional principles and the rights of citizens.
The TMC leader maintained that his party would pursue every available democratic and legal option regarding the concerns it has raised about the election process and post-poll developments.