Kolkata, 25 August (H.S.): Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Member of Parliament from Diamond Harbour, Abhishek Banerjee, on Monday filed a counter affidavit in the Calcutta High Court. The affidavit was submitted in response to an election petition challenging his landslide victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Banerjee reached the High Court around 11 a.m. and remained there for about 15 minutes. During this time, he signed necessary documents before submitting his affidavit. Several lawyers representing the TMC welcomed him in the court premises and took photographs with him.

It may be recalled that BJP candidate Abhijit Das (Bobby) had filed an election petition challenging the 2024 Lok Sabha results, alleging large-scale electoral malpractices in the Diamond Harbour constituency.

Abhishek Banerjee had secured a record victory margin of 7,10,930 votes, the highest ever in West Bengal, marking his third consecutive win from the seat.

In April this year, after a delay of seven months, the High Court directed the Election Commission and the District Electoral Officer to preserve all election-related materials, including data, CCTV footage, and digital records.

On August 19, the court warned Banerjee that an ex parte order could be passed against him if he failed to file a response. Although his lawyers had sought more time, the court set August 28 as the final deadline.

Following this, Banerjee submitted his affidavit on Monday. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for September 4.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh