The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has approached the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging serious violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Ghosh. The complaint, dated March 16, 2026, flags what the party has described as "explicit threats of violence" and intimidation directed at political leaders, workers and the general public.
In the video, Dilip Ghosh can be seen making a "clear and unequivocal statement in Bengali", stated AITC. In the statement, Ghosh reportedly says, "If an attack could take place at the residence of Shashi Panja, the sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly from Shyampukur Constituency and Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of West Bengal, similar attacks could also occur at Kalighat and the residence of Madan Mitra, the sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly from Kamarhati Constituency."
"The tenor of his statement is offensive and threatening," said AITC in its letter to the ECI.
Allegations of threats and intimidation
In its submission, the AITC stated that Dilip Ghosh made a "series of public remarks" that allegedly threatened violence against party leaders and workers. The complaint refers to a video circulating online in which Ghosh is said to have warned that attacks similar to one incident could take place at specific locations, including residences of political figures and areas like Kalighat and Chetla.
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The letter notes that such remarks were made after the MCC had come into force in West Bengal. It further alleges that the statements were not limited to political rivals but extended to "incite/cause violence in Kalighat and Chetla areas", raising concerns about voter intimidation.
"Before the upcoming election" warning cited
According to the complaint, Ghosh indicated that such incidents could occur "before the upcoming election" and emphasised his remarks by saying "mark my words". The document claims that he also suggested that his party workers were "fully prepared" to carry out such acts.
The AITC argued that these statements amount to a "direct threat" not only to party members but also to voters, potentially creating fear during the election period.
Violation of election and legal provisions
The complaint contends that the remarks violate the MCC, which prohibits activities that promote tension, hatred or violence. It also invokes provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, stating that such actions could amount to "undue influence" on voters.
Further, the party alleged that the statements fall under criminal provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including criminal intimidation and abetment of violence. It claimed that the conduct undermines the principle of free and fair elections guaranteed under Article 324 of the Constitution.
Demands for action
The AITC has urged the Election Commission to take immediate steps. These include issuing a show-cause notice to Dilip Ghosh, directing law enforcement agencies to register an FIR, and restraining him from making further statements that could incite violence.
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The complaint also calls for enhanced security at the residences of Shashi Panja (MLA, Shyampukur) and Madan Mitra (MLA, Kamarhati) and in sensitive areas such as Kalighat and Chetla "with immediate effect". Additionally, it sought directions to ensure that political parties and their workers refrain from intimidation during the election period.
The party has requested "prompt and impartial action", stating that such measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a level playing field.
