Suvendu accuses Mamata, urges EC action

Kolkata

Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of trying to intimidate booth-level officers (BLOs) and interfere in the electoral process. In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Adhikari said Banerjee’s public remarks about BLO training in Delhi reflect an attempt to pressure officials involved in maintaining the voter list.

He alleged that the CM, during a speech in Bolpur, expressed dissatisfaction over the BLOs' training without her knowledge and reminded them of their loyalty to the state government. According to Adhikari, such comments could influence the voter list revision process for political reasons.

He claimed that Banerjee’s statements undermine the Election Commission's authority and create an atmosphere of fear among election staff. Adhikari urged the EC to take immediate note of the issue, investigate the intent behind the statements, and ensure BLOs operate independently.

He also asked the EC to prevent voter list tampering and take legal action if any election laws were violated. Adhikari emphasised the need for free and fair elections in West Bengal without political interference.

In a press briefing, Adhikari further alleged irregularities in BLO appointments, claiming ICDS and ASHA workers were being named as BLOs in violation of EC norms. He said the BJP had flagged this earlier, and an inquiry confirmed 84 such appointments. Reviewing electoral rolls in Baruipur Purba and Moyna, he claimed to have found hundreds of fake entries, accusing Banerjee of wanting to retain them for political gain.

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BJP MP Soumendu Adhikari, from Kanthi, filed a complaint with Delhi Police against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of sharing fake and provocative content on social media. The complaint concerns a video posted by Mamata alleging police harassment of a migrant family from Malda in Delhi. Soumendu, younger brother of Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari, claimed the post aimed to defame Delhi Police and incite disharmony. Delhi Police later called the video fabricated and politically motivated after an investigation. BJP leader Amit Malviya also criticised Mamata for spreading misinformation.