Kolkata, November 25, 2025 – West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has escalated his অভিযোগ concerning the conduct of the state police, alleging political misuse in a formal letter addressed to the Election Commission (EC). This action follows Adhikari's earlier complaints regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, where he accused several District Magistrates (DMs) of improprieties.
Adhikari's letter to the EC, submitted this week, voiced concerns over the impartiality of the West Bengal police force, suggesting it was being utilized for political purposes by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). While the specific details of the letter have not been publicly disclosed, it is understood to highlight instances where Adhikari believes the police have acted in a partisan manner.
These allegations come amidst a backdrop of heightened political activity in West Bengal, particularly surrounding the SIR of electoral rolls. The EC is currently reviewing complaints filed by Adhikari against three DMs, who also serve as District Election Officers (DEOs), alleging violations of protocol during the SIR. Adhikari claims the DMs of East Midnapore, Hooghly, and East Burdwan are acting as "full-time Trinamool Congress election agents," pressuring booth-level officers to share official OTPs, potentially to manipulate the voter list.
In response to these accusations, a senior official from the Chief Electoral Officer's office stated that the complaints are being taken seriously and are under review. The official, speaking anonymously, assured that action would be initiated if substantial evidence is found to support the allegations.
Adhikari has also criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's claims that booth-level officers are under stress due to workload. He countered that some DMs were compelling officers to engage in "unethical practices" during voter list revision.
The political climate in West Bengal has been further strained by recent incidents surrounding the SIR process. Banerjee has written to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), raising concerns about the SIR and alleging that it risks disenfranchising legitimate voters. The TMC has also alleged that the EC's actions are creating a "fear psychosis" in the state, linking the SIR to several deaths due to anxiety.
The BJP, on the other hand, has dismissed these allegations, accusing Banerjee of attempting to sabotage the electoral process and protect an "illicit vote-bank". Adhikari has accused Banerjee of trying to "undermine" the Election Commission and "shield an illicit vote-bank" that her party has allegedly nurtured for years. He has also refuted Banerjee's portrayal of the SIR as chaotic, asserting that such revisions have been part of the EC's procedures for decades.
Adding to the turmoil, tensions flared last month when Adhikari alleged that his convoy was attacked, blaming Trinamool Congress leaders. He threatened to impose President's Rule in the state if he had the power, a claim the TMC dismissed as baseless.
In March 2024, the Trinamool Congress complained to the Election Commission, accusing Suvendu Adhikari of violating the model code of conduct by spreading false news and maligning senior police officers of West Bengal.
