Kolkata, 09 May (H.S.):

Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday said that the All India Trinamool Congress would continue its political battle against the Bharatiya Janata Party despite the BJP forming the first government in West Bengal under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

In a statement issued shortly after Adhikari took oath as the ninth Chief Minister of the state, Banerjee alleged that the recently concluded Assembly elections in West Bengal were conducted through a “rigged process” and claimed that nearly 30 lakh genuine voters were disenfranchised from the electoral rolls.

The Trinamool Congress general secretary and Lok Sabha member alleged that several government agencies, along with the Election Commission of India, displayed partisan conduct during the electoral process.

“We have fought an extremely difficult election where nearly 30 lakh genuine voters were allegedly disenfranchised from the electoral rolls. Throughout this entire process, we witnessed what we believe was deeply partisan conduct by several government agencies as well as the Election Commission of India,” Banerjee said in his statement.

Targeting the Election Commission of India, he claimed that democratic institutions meant to function impartially appeared compromised, raising concerns over the fairness, credibility and transparency of the elections in West Bengal.

Banerjee also raised questions regarding the counting process and alleged irregularities related to the handling and movement of Electronic Voting Machines, mismatch of control units and other incidents that, according to him, had led people to question whether the actual mandate was respected.

He said he had demanded the release of CCTV footage from counting centres and sought a transparent counting of VVPAT slips to address public doubts regarding the election process.

According to Banerjee, reports of post-poll violence, attacks on party offices, intimidation of Trinamool Congress workers and threats against supporters were deeply concerning and unacceptable in a democracy.

He alleged that several party workers had faced targeted attacks after the elections and were forced to flee their homes due to fear and insecurity.

“No political worker in a democracy should ever have to choose between their safety and their political beliefs,” he stated.

Banerjee further asserted that the Trinamool Congress would continue to stand with the people of West Bengal and its party workers under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee.

“Under the guidance and leadership of Mamata Banerjee, our fight for democracy, constitutional values and the rights and dignity of the people will continue without fear and without compromise,” he added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh