A political confrontation has intensified between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Election Commission of India (ECI), following sharp remarks by Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
In a video message posted on social media on Wednesday, Moitra accused the Chief Election Commissioner of acting in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party, using strong language and describing him as a “bootlicker” of the ruling party at the Centre. She alleged that the Election Commission was misusing its authority and issuing threats to her party.
“The Election Commission is a constitutional body funded by taxpayers. It cannot behave like a street bully or attempt to disenfranchise voters,” Moitra said. She further claimed that the poll body was functioning at the behest of the BJP and asserted that the TMC would return to power in West Bengal regardless of such actions.
Calling for free and fair elections, Moitra said her party wanted polls “free from Delhi’s control” where every eligible voter could exercise their franchise without fear. She also alleged misuse of central forces and administrative machinery during elections in West Bengal, and cautioned the Commission against what she described as proximity to BJP leaders in the state.
“We, too, wish for a free and fair vote. And if you don’t give it to us, our voters will still show courage and elect us back,” she added.
The remarks came shortly after the Election Commission issued a stern message to the TMC via social media platform X, stating that the upcoming West Bengal elections would be “fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free, inducement-free,” and without booth capturing or voter suppression.
The controversy also drew a reaction from Arvind Kejriwal, who expressed concern over the situation. In a post on X, Kejriwal described the developments as “extremely unfortunate,” saying that such incidents raise serious questions about the independence of the Election Commission.
“Now there’s no need to even say that the Election Commission is working under the BJP. This is now out in the open,” he said, while also cautioning that such public exchanges could harm the credibility of a key constitutional institution.
The escalating war of words comes at a sensitive time, with West Bengal gearing up for Assembly elections, and is likely to further sharpen the political climate in the state.
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