BJP flags concerns to EC, accuses TMC of pressuring voters before Bengal elections

As West Bengal gears up for Assembly elections, the political atmosphere in the state is heating up. On Monday, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation met officials of the Election Commission (EC) in New Delhi, alleging that voters in the state are being intimidated by leaders and workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The BJP urged the poll panel to take steps to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner . The delegation included Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Piyush Goyal , West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar , and party chief spokesperson Anil Baluni .

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Kiren Rijiju said the party had submitted a petition highlighting what it described as an atmosphere of pressure and fear in the state ahead of the elections. He alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee , along with TMC leaders and workers, was attempting to influence voters and discourage them from supporting the BJP.

According to Rijiju, the BJP raised concerns that such actions could affect the democratic right of voters to freely choose their representatives. The party asked the Election Commission to monitor the situation closely and take necessary action wherever required.

Rijiju said the Election Commission responded positively and assured the delegation that all necessary measures would be taken to maintain a fair electoral environment.

The West Bengal Assembly elections , which will decide the fate of the 294-member legislature , are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29 , while counting of votes will take place on May 4 .

With campaigning set to intensify in the coming weeks, political confrontations between the TMC and BJP are expected to sharpen, making the Election Commission’s role crucial in ensuring a transparent and peaceful electoral process.