Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday alleged a "secret meeting" between BJP candidates and an Election Commission police observer. He raised the issue while addressing a rally in support of party candidates in Mograhat East and Mograhat West assembly constituencies.
The allegation comes ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Banerjee also claimed that the party would increase its victory margins in several constituencies, including Diamond Harbour.
Allegation over 'secret meeting'
Referring to a video shared by the Trinamool Congress on social media (not independently verified), Banerjee said BJP candidates Gaurasundar Ghosh and Dipak Haldar were seen meeting a police observer.
Targeting both the BJP and the Election Commission, he said, "A video of the meeting is now in the public domain. It raises serious questions about neutrality." He added, "They believed the meeting would go unnoticed. But such actions cannot remain hidden for long."
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Banerjee also issued a political challenge, saying, "We will meet again on May 4. The results will reflect the people's mandate." He further claimed that Trinamool would improve its margins in Diamond Harbour, Magrahat East, and Magrahat West.
Transfer of police officers questioned
Linking the issue to recent administrative actions, Abhishek Banerjee questioned the transfer of several police officers from the Diamond Harbour area. According to him, these transfers followed the emergence of the alleged video and subsequent developments.
He said, "Soon after the matter came to light, multiple officers, including senior officials, were transferred. This has raised concerns about the timing of such decisions."
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Banerjee added that such developments should be examined carefully to ensure transparency in the election process. "Law enforcement agencies must be allowed to function without pressure," he said.
The Election Commission has not yet issued an official response to these specific allegations. Meanwhile, political tensions remain high as campaigning intensifies ahead of polling.
