The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has submitted a formal complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, alleging violation of Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines during the filing of nomination papers in the Nandigram Assembly Constituency. The complaint, dated April 1, 2026, was filed by Derek O'Brien.
The letter states that the complaint concerns "complaint regarding violation of ECI nomination guidelines and partisan conduct of the Returning Officer in Nandigram Assembly Constituency". It further alleges irregularities during the nomination filing process and questions the conduct of officials overseeing the proceedings.
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Allegations over nomination filing process
In the complaint, Derek O'Brien wrote, "I, Derek O'Brien, son of Late Neil O’Brien, the undersigned herein, being the authorised representative of the All India Trinamool Congress, am constrained to file the instant letter of complaint to bring to your notice a grave violation of the Election Commission of India's consolidated guidelines relating to the filing of nomination papers, coupled with the apparent partisan and compromised conduct of the Returning Officer and the inaction of the General Observer, which has seriously undermined the sanctity of the electoral process in the Nandigram Assembly Constituency in the ongoing Vidhan Sabha Elections 2026 in the State of West Bengal."
The complaint refers to photographs and videos allegedly showing that more persons than permitted were present inside the Returning Officer's chamber when nomination papers were filed. The letter cites guidelines stating that the total number of persons allowed during filing "shall not exceed five, including the candidate".
It further states that the presence of more individuals "demonstrates a clear case of dereliction of duty and gives rise to a reasonable apprehension that the Returning Officer is acting in a partisan manner, thereby creating serious doubts as to whether free and fair elections can be conducted in the said constituency".
Concerns over observer's role
The complaint also raises questions over the role of the General Observer. It notes that the observer "has also failed to take any corrective or preventive steps despite the apparent and fundamental breach occurring within his knowledge". The letter adds that the absence of action raises concerns about impartiality and adherence to election guidelines.
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Demands placed before Election Commission
The Trinamool Congress has sought multiple actions in the complaint. These include calling for an immediate report from the Returning Officer and the General Observer, initiating disciplinary proceedings, and replacing the Returning Officer with a neutral official.
The letter also seeks directions for strict compliance with Election Commission guidelines and requests that "the nomination of Suvendu Adhikari be cancelled in accordance with law in view of the aforesaid violations". It further asked for additional orders to ensure "free, fair and transparent elections".
