Kolkata, 22 April (H.S.): The political temperature in West Bengal continues to rise as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday launched a fresh attack on the Election Commission, accusing it of bias and misconduct during the ongoing election process.

At a press conference, senior TMC leader Chandrima Bhattacharya and party candidate from Beleghata Kunal Ghosh raised serious questions about the conduct of a police observer appointed for the Diamond Harbour region. They alleged that despite arrangements being made at a government guest house in Alipore, the observer chose to stay in Room No. 208 of Sagarika Hotel.

Kunal Ghosh presented screenshots of a WhatsApp chat and a video, claiming that the observer held a late-night meeting at the hotel with BJP candidates, including those from Magrahat (West) and Diamond Harbour, along with their agents. According to TMC, during this meeting, names of several active TMC leaders were allegedly shared with the observer with the intent to harass them ahead of the polls.

He further alleged that some observers from other states have also raised concerns about “unfair instructions” from the state’s Chief Electoral Officer. Ghosh claimed that an IAS officer from Himachal Pradesh, identified as C. Palrasu, was removed from an observers’ group after raising such objections.

The matter has reportedly been escalated to the Chief Election Commissioner by senior TMC leader Derek O’Brien.

Chandrima Bhattacharya, meanwhile, intensified the attack, stating that the Election Commission is increasingly “showing its teeth and claws” as polling approaches. She alleged that several observers are acting in a partisan manner, “like agents of the BJP,” and that those who protest are being sidelined or humiliated.

She also criticized the heavy deployment of central forces, saying it creates an atmosphere of fear among voters. Taking a swipe at the Union Home Minister, she questioned his stance on women’s respect, alleging inconsistency between his statements and actions. Bhattacharya urged women voters not to fall for what she described as misleading promises.

The Election Commission has not yet responded to these allegations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey