Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, accusing it of acting in a partisan manner and deploying observers who are allegedly violating established norms during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections.
Addressing a press conference, TMC senior leader Chandrima Bhattacharya and Aroop Biswas questioned the appointment of an observer in South 24-Parganas, claiming he was known as an "encounter specialist" and accusing him of overstepping his mandate. "Observers are meant to be the eyes and ears of the EC, not its arms and legs. Under what rule can they enter homes or harass women?" she asked, alleging that such actions were illegal and intimidating for voters.
Echoing similar concerns, Aroop Biswas alleged that central forces and observers were creating a "war-like situation" by moving with large contingents of armed personnel.
"The EC does not want free and fair elections; they want to scare people," he said, adding that 100-150 armed personnel visiting homes was unacceptable.
The TMC leaders further alleged that these actions were aimed at voter suppression ahead of the remaining phases of polling.
They claimed complaints had been filed with the Commission and legal steps initiated.
Despite the allegations, the party asserted confidence in the electorate, stating that voters would respond through ballots and uphold democratic rights in the state.