Kolkata, 18 February (H.S.) : Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of violating Supreme Court directives by issuing instructions through WhatsApp groups. On Wednesday, he shared several screenshots on the social media platform X, highlighting the issue. The post also referenced IAS officer and special observer C. Murugan.

In his post, Banerjee wrote, “Does the Election Commission have the authority to openly flout the Supreme Court’s directives? The country’s apex court has repeatedly emphasized transparency, adherence to legal procedures, and the use of official communication channels. Yet we are witnessing directives being circulated via WhatsApp.”

He further claimed that special roll observers like C. Murugan are issuing guidelines on the validity of birth certificates through WhatsApp groups and instructing micro-observers within the same groups. Banerjee questioned whether the Election Commission needs to be reminded of the Supreme Court’s clear directions regarding the role of micro-observers, asking why such procedures are being bypassed and under whose instructions.

The TMC leader also alleged that despite the district-wise appointment of roll observers, their login credentials are being accessed from Kolkata. He claimed that this misuse of login data is targeting specific communities under the direction of what he termed the “political master” of the Election Commission in Delhi.

Banerjee indicated that he plans to raise the matter again before the Supreme Court, questioning the impartiality and procedural compliance of the Commission.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh