Following a major political shift in West Bengal, outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging serious irregularities in the recently concluded assembly elections.
She described the Commission as the “villain” of the electoral process and questioned the fairness of the results.
Allegations Against BJP and Election Commission
During a press conference, Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of colluding with the Election Commission to manipulate the democratic mandate. She raised concerns over the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), questioning how devices could retain 80–90% battery after a full day of polling. She also alleged last-minute changes in administrative officials, claiming that IAS and IPS officers were replaced ahead of voting.
Claims of Voter List Manipulation
Banerjee further alleged large-scale discrepancies in voter rolls, stating that nearly 90 lakh names were removed during the revision process. According to her, around 32 lakh names were later restored following court intervention. She described the developments as unprecedented and deeply concerning for democratic integrity.
Accusations of Political Pressure and Violence
The Trinamool Congress leader also accused central leadership, including Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, of interfering in the electoral process. Additionally, she alleged incidents of violence during counting, claiming that party workers and agents were intimidated. Banerjee further stated that she was personally manhandled during the chaos at a counting centre, though these claims remain contested.
Support from Opposition Leaders
Banerjee said several leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav, expressed solidarity with her following the results.
Fact-Finding Panel and Future Strategy
In response to reported post-election violence, Banerjee announced the formation of a fact-finding committee comprising 10 members, including MPs, to visit affected areas. She also stated her intention to strengthen opposition unity, positioning herself as a “commoner” committed to public service.
BJP Secures Historic Victory
Meanwhile, the BJP registered a landslide victory in West Bengal, winning over 200 seats and forming its first government in the state. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 9. The party has termed the win historic, marking a significant political shift in the region.
