Elections – TMC Demands Removal of Bhabanipur Returning Officer Over Bias Concerns
Elections – The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has formally approached the Election Commission, calling for the immediate replacement of the returning officer assigned to the Bhabanipur assembly constituency in West Bengal. The party has raised concerns about the officer’s alleged association with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is contesting from the same seat against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Allegations of Close Association Surface
In its written submission to Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the ruling party claimed that the officer in question shares a documented and visible proximity with Adhikari. According to the complaint, this relationship was evident during the officer’s earlier tenure as block development officer in Nandigram-II, where Adhikari has had significant political influence.
The TMC argued that such connections raise serious doubts about the officer’s ability to remain impartial while overseeing a high-stakes electoral contest. The Bhabanipur seat has drawn considerable attention, given the presence of top political figures in the fray.
Concerns Over Administrative Neutrality
The party emphasized that a returning officer plays a crucial role in managing elections, including scrutinizing nominations, supervising polling procedures, and declaring results. Given these responsibilities, the TMC stated that the position demands absolute neutrality and independence from any political affiliations.
Highlighting constitutional provisions, the party cited Article 324 and relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act. These legal frameworks mandate that elections must be conducted in a fair and unbiased manner, with officials who are free from any perceived conflict of interest.
The complaint further noted that the Model Code of Conduct requires administrative machinery to function without favoritism. The TMC alleged that retaining the current officer violates these principles and undermines public confidence in the electoral process.
Questions Raised on Appointment and Posting
Apart from concerns about alleged bias, the TMC also questioned the officer’s current designation as additional director of land records. The party argued that this role is typically reserved for more senior officials, suggesting that the appointment may not align with established administrative norms.
According to the submission, the timing of the officer’s deployment—just ahead of elections—raises suspicions of preferential treatment. The party described the move as potentially motivated, adding to its apprehensions about the integrity of the election management.
Previous Communication With Election Commission
The representation also referenced an earlier development in which the Election Commission had requested a panel of three alternative officers from the state government. This request reportedly followed a complaint lodged on March 24.
While the state government complied by providing the suggested panel, the TMC noted that no final decision has been made regarding the replacement of the current returning officer. The delay, the party argued, adds to the urgency of the matter.
Senior TMC leaders, including Shashi Panja, Aroop Biswas, and Baiswanor Chattopadhyay, signed the letter urging swift intervention.
Call for Immediate Action
Describing the situation as both constitutionally problematic and electorally risky, the TMC has called on the Election Commission to act without delay. The party urged authorities to take a transparent and reasoned decision to ensure that the electoral process remains credible.
The Bhabanipur constituency holds significant political importance, and the outcome is expected to have wider implications. In this context, the demand for administrative neutrality has become a central issue in the ongoing political discourse.
The Election Commission is yet to respond publicly to the latest request. However, the matter is likely to remain under close scrutiny as the election approaches.