TMC, Election Commission trade sharp accusations as opposition questions fairness ahead of West Bengal Assembly polls
April 8, 2026: The Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, issued a strong statement against the Election Commission of India, demanding that the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections be conducted without “Delhi’s control,” political bias, or selective targeting. In a post on X, the party said elections must be free from “double standards” and interference, stressing transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
The remarks followed a tense meeting between a TMC delegation and the poll panel, where party MP Derek O’Brien alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar asked them to “get lost” within minutes. O’Brien claimed the meeting lasted barely seven minutes and challenged the Commission to release video or audio proof. However, Election Commission sources denied the allegation, stating that O’Brien was asked to maintain decorum and that inappropriate behaviour would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission reiterated that the elections would be conducted in a “fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free” manner. The controversy also drew criticism from Arvind Kejriwal, who accused the poll body of acting under the influence of the BJP. Voting for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is scheduled in two phases on April 23 and 29, with results to be declared on May 4.