TMC Accuses Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal of Pro-BJP Bias Ahead of Crucial Assembly Polls

Manoj Agarwal, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), has come under sharp political scrutiny as tensions escalate ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The senior bureaucrat has found himself at the centre of a political storm, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) raising allegations of bias in the conduct of electoral processes.

A 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Agarwal was appointed as West Bengal’s CEO in March 2025 by the Election Commission of India. His appointment came after the Commission rejected the initial shortlist sent by the state government led by Mamata Banerjee and sought a revised panel of candidates, signalling the Centre’s emphasis on neutrality in overseeing the state’s electoral machinery.

The controversy surrounding Agarwal has intensified in recent weeks, particularly over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The TMC has been vocal in criticising the exercise, alleging irregularities and claiming that the revision process could influence voter lists ahead of the polls. The party has formally lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Agarwal of “biased and partisan conduct” in favour of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Also Read: Amit Shah's Bengal Chargesheet: Trinamool Fires Back With "Trial Over" Warning

The allegations come at a politically sensitive time, as West Bengal prepares for a high-stakes Assembly election where electoral integrity and voter verification processes are under intense public and political scrutiny. The CEO plays a crucial role in supervising elections in the state, including managing voter rolls, coordinating with district administrations, and ensuring adherence to election laws and guidelines issued by the commission.

Despite the mounting criticism, there has been no official response from Agarwal regarding the allegations. The Election Commission has also not publicly commented on the complaint so far, though it is expected to examine the concerns raised by the TMC in accordance with established procedures. Political observers note that such disputes between ruling parties and election authorities are not uncommon in the run-up to major elections.

With only months left before his retirement, Agarwal’s tenure as CEO is unfolding under intense political pressure. The outcome of the Election Commission’s response to the complaint and the conduct of the SIR process will likely play a key role in shaping the electoral narrative in West Bengal in the coming months.

Also Read: Mamata Warns Centre May Impose Lockdown Amid Fuel Crisis, Vows to Fight on in Bengal