Bengal Election Row: TMC Demands Removal of Bhabanipur Poll Officer Over Alleged Links to Suvendu Adhikari
Ruling party alleges officer’s past association with BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari threatens electoral neutrality in high-stakes contest
Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has demanded the immediate removal of the returning officer (RO) appointed for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, citing concerns over alleged links with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
In a formal complaint submitted to Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Friday, the party objected to the officer’s appointment, arguing that his past professional association with Adhikari raises serious questions about impartiality.
According to the TMC, the official had previously served as Block Development Officer in Nandigram-II, where his interactions with Adhikari were reportedly evident during public engagements. The party contends that such a background creates a reasonable perception of bias, especially in a closely watched electoral battle.
The Bhabanipur seat has gained prominence as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting from the constituency, while Adhikari is also in the fray from Nandigram in Purba Medinipur.
The complaint further questions the officer’s current posting as Additional Director of Land Records, suggesting that the role is typically reserved for more senior officials. The timing of his appointment ahead of elections, the party claims, indicates possible preferential deployment.
Highlighting the critical responsibilities of a returning officer including scrutiny of nominations, supervision of polling, and declaration of results the TMC stressed that the position demands complete neutrality and credibility.
Invoking Article 324 of the Constitution and provisions of the Representation of the People Act, the party urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections by appointing an unbiased official. It also cited the Model Code of Conduct, which mandates administrative impartiality.
The representation noted that although the Commission had earlier sought a panel of alternative names following a complaint filed on March 24, no action has yet been taken. Senior TMC leaders, including Shashi Panja, Aroop Biswas, and Baiswanor Chattopadhyay, have called for swift and transparent intervention to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
