In a blistering critique, West Bengal opposition chief Suvendu Adhikari on Friday accused the Election Commission of India of pussyfooting around Trinamool Congress hooliganism marring the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Reports of TMC workers’ strong-arm tactics at voter list objection hearings have fueled Adhikari’s outrage.
‘Why stop at circulars? Bengal demands the ECI’s full might—deploy CAPF now!’ he urged reporters. Stressing the Commission’s autonomous mandate under the Constitution, Adhikari noted it could summon central paramilitary or army units independently.
BJP leader Samik Bhattacharya had previously voiced parallel concerns, decrying ECI’s softness and seeking CEC’s direct intervention in the state.
Adhikari’s election teaser added spice: ‘Minorities may shun BJP, but they’re ditching TMC too this time.’ This projection challenges TMC’s minority consolidation strategy, potentially altering poll arithmetic in the 2026 Assembly battle.
As SIR unfolds amid controversy, Adhikari’s push for stringent enforcement highlights deeper anxieties over fair play. The ECI’s next moves will be pivotal in silencing critics and safeguarding democracy in a state rife with partisan tensions.