BJP Controls Election Commission, Claims TMC's Banerjee
Abhishek Banerjee alleges BJP manipulates EC, targets opposition.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining the autonomy of the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that BJP leaders have become spokespersons for the poll body. Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport on Monday, Banerjee claimed a nexus between the BJP-led central government and the ECI, asserting that central agencies like the ECI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are being used to harass opposition leaders without evidence.
Banerjee, the MP from Diamond Harbour, refuted claims by BJP leader Anurag Thakur that bogus voters were included in his constituency’s electoral rolls, stating he provided proof that nearly all voters were genuine, except for a few who had died or relocated. He questioned why BJP leaders like Thakur were defending the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, suggesting it was part of a strategy to manipulate elections. The SIR, particularly in Bihar, has drawn criticism from the INDIA bloc, which alleges it aims to disenfranchise voters ahead of upcoming assembly elections.
The TMC leader also raised concerns about breaches of confidentiality, claiming a BJP leader referenced specific details from documents he submitted to the ED during a probe. Banerjee further criticized the ECI for failing to act independently on allegations of electoral malpractices, pointing out that the poll body demanded an affidavit from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to investigate voter fraud claims, which he called a diversion from the core issue. He argued that if the ECI acknowledges flaws in the 2024 voter lists, the current Lok Sabha, including the Prime Minister and his cabinet, should resign, as their elections were based on those lists.
Also Read: TMC's Derek O'Brien Urges SIR Withdrawal in Bihar
Banerjee highlighted the ECI’s removal of 65 lakh voters from Bihar’s electoral rolls, challenging the Chief Election Commissioner to resign if even one error is found. He also accused the central government of withholding MGNREGA funds for West Bengal, despite a Calcutta High Court order to release payments, claiming the Modi government has not paid a single penny. On the possibility of moving an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner, Banerjee noted that time constraints in the current parliamentary session might delay it, but the TMC would pursue it in the next session if the ECI’s actions continue to favor the BJP.
