Derek O’Brien writes to CEO alleging violations by Central Reserve Police Force during West Bengal Assembly elections
April 18, 2026: Amid the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections, Derek O’Brien has written to the Chief Electoral Officer, raising concerns over the conduct of the Central Reserve Police Force during poll duty. The Trinamool Congress leader alleged violations of election guidelines and legal provisions, urging immediate corrective action.
The complaint is based on a viral video circulating on social media, which reportedly shows CRPF personnel accompanying candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party and distributing pamphlets. According to the letter, such actions could amount to undue influence on voters and may create an atmosphere of fear, potentially affecting the fairness of the electoral process.
The All India Trinamool Congress has demanded strict enforcement of neutrality guidelines, citing provisions of the Representation of the People Act. It has called for a show-cause notice, registration of an FIR, and clear instructions to all deployed forces to ensure adherence to Election Commission norms. The Election Commission has not yet issued a public response to the allegations.