TMC accuses EC of misconduct, poll panel counters with claims of indiscipline as tensions rise ahead of assembly elections
April 8, 2026: A meeting between a delegation of the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission of India turned contentious on Wednesday, with both sides offering sharply conflicting accounts. TMC MP Derek O’Brien alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner told the delegation to “get lost” within minutes of the meeting. He said the group had submitted letters from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and raised concerns about alleged links between certain poll officials and the BJP.
The Election Commission, however, denied the allegations and claimed that O’Brien behaved inappropriately during the interaction. According to sources, the Commission gave a “straight talk” to the TMC leaders and accused O’Brien of raising his voice and interrupting proceedings. The poll body reiterated its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, stressing that the upcoming West Bengal polls would be conducted without fear, violence, intimidation, or inducement.
The confrontation comes amid escalating tensions between the TMC and the Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The TMC has alleged that voter deletions are biased and politically motivated, while the EC maintains the process is necessary for transparency. With over 480 officials already transferred and elections scheduled in two phases later this month, the political climate in West Bengal continues to grow increasingly charged.