The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday dismissed the Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s accusations of delays in addressing issues related to the West Bengal bypolls. The ECI stated that it acted promptly, within 20 hours of receiving TMC’s complaints. Additionally, a notice was issued to Sukanta Majumdar, the West Bengal BJP state president, demanding his response by 8 PM on the same day over allegedly disrespectful remarks concerning the national emblem and the state police.
According to the ECI, after receiving TMC’s representation on November 10, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal promptly convened a meeting of the State Level Force Deployment Committee within 20 hours. The ECI also directed that state police personnel must be included in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)-led teams during the bypolls.
In response to the TMC’s concerns about alleged voter intimidation by CAPF personnel, the ECI invited a delegation from TMC for a meeting in the afternoon.
The TMC had previously alleged that CAPF personnel entered private residences without state police oversight, which they claimed was aimed at influencing voters in favor of the BJP. They also criticized Sukanta Majumdar for reportedly mocking the national emblem by suggesting that the Ashoka Stambh be replaced on police uniforms with a sandal symbol, a remark perceived as offensive.
TMC’s Allegations of Delay
A delegation of TMC leaders, including Sudip Bandopadhyay and Derek O’Brien, had met with the ECI on Saturday to submit two complaints about alleged irregularities and the misuse of central forces. However, in a letter sent on Monday, the TMC expressed dissatisfaction with the meeting timing, stating, “We are dismayed that we have been given an appointment at 3:30 PM on Monday, just 90 minutes before campaigning ends at 5 PM, marking the start of the silent period.” The TMC argued that such timing effectively negates their concerns, leaving insufficient time for meaningful action.
TMC leaders also took to social media to express their frustration over the ECI’s response. Saket Gokhale, a TMC MP, alleged that the delay was intentional to benefit the BJP. “Our letters have been with the poll panel for three days, yet the first response we received was today—just 90 minutes before the end of campaigning,” Gokhale posted on X. He further accused the ECI of acting in a biased manner to favor the BJP.
BJP’s Sukanta Majumdar Responds
The ECI’s notice to Sukanta Majumdar has intensified the ongoing political tension. Majumdar’s remarks regarding the national emblem and the police sparked backlash from the opposition, while the BJP defended his statements as standard political discourse.
The bypolls for six assembly constituencies in West Bengal—Sitai (SC), Madarihat (ST), Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, and Taldangra—are set to take place on November 13, with the results expected soon after.
