The BJP delegation that met the ECI officials included Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Piyush Goyal, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar, and party chief spokesperson Anil Baluni
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar at the Election Commission of India. Pic/PTI
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday approached the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are intimidating voters ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, reported the PTI.
A BJP delegation submitted a formal petition, urging the poll body to take immediate steps to ensure free and fair elections in the state.
The delegation included Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Piyush Goyal, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar, and party chief spokesperson Anil Baluni.
After the meeting, Rijiju told reporters that the party had raised serious concerns about the electoral environment in West Bengal, the news agency reported.
Allegations against TMC leadership
According to the PTI, Rijiju alleged that Mamata Banerjee, along with her ministers and party workers, is attempting to influence voters through threats and intimidation.
He claimed that such actions are aimed at discouraging people from voting in favour of the BJP.
“The chief minister herself is threatening voters,” Rijiju said, adding that the issue was discussed in detail with Election Commission officials.
He told reporters, "While the assembly polls are scheduled to be held in four states and one Union territory, Mamata Banerjee has wreaked havoc to deprive electors of their right to vote in West Bengal and hijack the election," the PTI reported.
Rijiju said that the EC gave a "positive response" to the delegation and asserted that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure a free and fair election in West Bengal, as per the PTI.
ECI assures action
According to the BJP, the Election Commission responded positively to their concerns and assured that necessary steps would be taken to safeguard the electoral process.
The party expressed hope that the poll body would ensure voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear.
Polling schedule
Elections for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.
The elections are being closely watched as part of a broader electoral cycle across several states and one Union Territory.
(with PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
