Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari struck a confident note as voting is ongoing for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections, asserting that electoral conditions had shifted significantly in his favour compared to previous years. Speaking to the media outside a polling booth this morning, Adhikari claimed that he had successfully entered booths this time where he was allegedly denied access during earlier elections, including 2021, the 2023 panchayat polls, and 2024.
He referred to it as a decisive change on the ground and signaled a strong electoral performance for the BJP. Referring to a specific booth, Adhikari remarked that the Hindu population in the area was limited and alleged that voters from the community had previously been prevented from casting their ballots. He stated that he had personally assured them of safety, following which, according to him, all eligible voters turned up to vote.
He further alleged past instances of “hooliganism” and asserted that such practices would not be allowed to continue.
Adhikari also addressed concerns regarding polling in other districts. He noted that initial apprehensions about disturbances in Cooch Behar had subsided after consultations with local candidates, who reported no major incidents. However, he acknowledged sporadic issues in parts of East Midnapore, claiming that the situation had since been brought under control.
Tensions escalated further when Adhikari accused the police of acting in a partisan manner. He alleged that his polling agent and Mandal President, Buddhadeb Mandal, was detained during the voting process. Specifically targeting Pingla’s Officer-in-Charge, Chinmoy Pramanik, Adhikari accused him of “malicious harassment” of BJP workers and demanded his immediate removal and suspension.
“I will not allow any goon to remain on the streets,” Adhikari stated, intensifying his criticism of the local administration.
Meanwhile, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has countered with allegations of its own, accusing the Election Commission of bias. The party claimed that certain police officers, allegedly close to Adhikari, had been strategically deployed in sensitive regions such as Haldia and Nandigram. According to the TMC, these officers were acting under the influence of the BJP, raising concerns about the neutrality of the election machinery.
As polling continues, the exchange of allegations between the two major political forces has heightened political tensions, with the Election Commission yet to issue an official response to the claims.
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