West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging that the poll body was targeting the state through a series of administrative decisions ahead of the Assembly elections.

In a post on X, Mamata Banerjee criticised the large-scale transfer of senior officials, claiming the move was arbitrary and politically motivated. "The manner in which the Election Commission has singled out and targeted Bengal is not just unprecedented- It is deeply alarming… This is not administrative action rather this is political interference of the highest order," she wrote.

She alleged that more than 50 senior officers, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Director General of Police, were removed even before the formal election notification.

Allegations of bias and institutional interference

The Chief Minister further accused the Commission of undermining constitutional principles and acting with bias. "The systematic politicisation of institutions meant to remain impartial is a direct assault on the Constitution," she said.

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CM Banerjee also raised concerns over the ongoing electoral process, alleging lapses in procedures. She claimed that supplementary electoral rolls had not yet been published, "in clear disregard of the Hon'ble Supreme Court's directions," leaving voters uncertain.

She added that officers from key agencies were being selectively removed. "Senior officers from critical agencies like IB, STF and CID are being selectively removed and dispatched out of the state, pointing to a calculated attempt to cripple Bengal’s administrative machinery," she wrote.

Questions over governance and intent

Questioning the Union government's intent, Mamata Banerjee said, "Why is the BJP so desperate? Why this relentless targeting of Bengal and its people?" She also alleged contradictions in the Commission's actions, stating that officials removed from election duties were later assigned as observers.

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Calling the situation "nothing short of an undeclared emergency," she alleged attempts to control the state through "coercion, intimidation, manipulation and the misuse of institutions."

The Chief Minister expressed solidarity with state officials and asserted resistance. "Bengal will fight, Bengal will resist and Bengal will decisively defeat every attempt to impose a divisive and destructive agenda on its soil," she said.