A major controversy has erupted at an election training centre in West Bengal after an election official was allegedly assaulted on Friday following objections over the display of government advertisements during a training session. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought a detailed report on the incident, intensifying concerns over the electoral environment ahead of the polls.
The incident took place at Ranaghat Debnath Boys' Institute High School, Nadia, where training sessions for polling personnel were underway. According to allegations, official government advertisements featuring Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were repeatedly displayed during the session. Saikat Chatterjee, a teacher and designated election official, along with several others, objected to the display, arguing that it violated the Model Code of Conduct and compromised neutrality.
Eyewitnesses said the situation escalated from a verbal protest into a tense confrontation. Chatterjee was allegedly threatened by an unidentified individual, who warned him against continuing his objections. Shortly thereafter, a group of outsiders reportedly entered the training centre and assaulted him. The official sustained serious injuries in the attack and collapsed on the spot, after which colleagues rushed him for medical attention.
Videos of the incident were also recorded and later circulated on social media.
The episode has triggered anger among election officials, many of whom have questioned how outsiders gained access to a training venue expected to be secure. Several officials expressed concern over whether a free and fair election could be conducted under such circumstances, with some raising broader questions about safety and neutrality.
Chatterjee, reacting to the incident, said that conducting elections in such an environment would be difficult without immediate intervention and strict action by authorities. He also called for stronger measures to restore law and order ahead of the polls.
The incident has sparked sharp political reactions. BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging a breakdown of law and order and demanding strict action against those involved. He also called for an inquiry into the role of local administrative officials.
The Election Commission has sought reports from the Director General of Police, the District Magistrate, the Superintendent of Police and the Sub-Divisional Officer. Sources indicated that an FIR has been registered and directions have been issued to identify and arrest those responsible at the earliest. Action may also be initiated against the officer-in-charge of the concerned police station.
The ruling party has not yet issued any official statement on the matter. However, the incident has already triggered widespread political and public reactions, with many viewing it as a troubling development ahead of the elections.
Also read: 'Technical glitch or mischief?': Mamata targets BJP, EC
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