08 May,2026 12:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut. File Pic
Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has written to US President Donald Trump over reports that he congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the outcome of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
In a post on X, Raut stated that the elections were a state-level issue within India's federal democratic structure and said that any external endorsement appeared "premature and misplaced." He stressed that matters related to state elections should remain part of India's internal democratic process.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also referred to allegations surrounding the conduct of the elections, claiming that multiple complaints had surfaced regarding an atmosphere of fear, intimidation and systemic pressure during the poll process.
Raut further alleged that there were widespread perceptions that the Election Commission did not function impartially during the elections and that its actions appeared to favour the BJP. According to him, such allegations had raised questions regarding the neutrality and credibility of democratic institutions involved in conducting the polls.
He also expressed concern over the deployment of central forces during the elections. Raut said critics believed the large-scale presence of security personnel created a sense of coercion among voters instead of instilling confidence in the electoral process.
Referring to comments made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Raut noted that several senior political leaders had publicly questioned the fairness of the election process.
According to him, these objections reflected broader concerns being raised by opposition parties and sections of the public regarding the credibility and transparency of the polls.
In his communication, Raut said democracy was not limited to the conduct of elections alone but also depended on ensuring that polls were free, fair and credible.
He added that serious allegations concerning the electoral process warranted scrutiny rather than celebration and questioned whether such concerns had been considered before the reported congratulatory remarks were made.
Raut concluded by urging Trump to adopt a "more informed and balanced view" while commenting on India's democratic processes.
