Kolkata, 17 April (H.S.): Political tensions have escalated ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, with fresh allegations from the opposition. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Friday accused the ruling All India Trinamool Congress of attempting to influence the electoral process by distributing fake press identity cards.

In a post on X, Adhikari claimed that the Trinamool Congress, with the assistance of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee, has issued fake media IDs to its party workers. According to him, the plan is to pass them off as journalists and facilitate their entry into polling booths and administrative premises.

He alleged that these individuals are being strategically deployed as members of the media so they can misuse the privileges granted to journalists and engage in activities aimed at influencing voters and interfering with the election process.

The BJP leader has urged the Election Commission to conduct a thorough verification of all media identity cards issued recently in the state. He also demanded that only accredited journalists from recognized institutions be allowed access to areas around polling stations.

Notably, just a day earlier, the All India Trinamool Congress had accused the BJP of violating the Model Code of Conduct. The party alleged that the BJP was distributing forms under the “Matrishakti Bharosa Card” scheme, promising financial assistance to women just ahead of voting, in an attempt to influence voters. The Trinamool Congress had sought action from the Election Commission over the matter.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Trinamool Congress regarding the allegations made by Suvendu Adhikari.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey