Opposition leaders on Monday voiced strong concerns over the timing and conduct of upcoming Assembly elections, with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleging that the schedule has been designed for the “convenience of the BJP.” Speaking to reporters, she said the way phases are created and dates set appears to favour the ruling party at the Centre.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticised administrative interventions ahead of elections, claiming that changes are made in states where the BJP does not control the government. “Whenever elections take place, if the Delhi government or the state government is not theirs, the first thing they do is remove the DGP, the Chief Secretary, and other officials,” he said, alleging collusion with the Election Commission in past instances.

The Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Polling in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will be held in a single phase on April 9, Tamil Nadu on April 23, while West Bengal will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Counting for all states and the UT will take place on May 4.

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Hours after the schedule was announced, the Election Commission ordered the transfer of West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty and Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena. On Monday, the acting DGP of West Bengal, Piyush Pandey, and Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar were also shifted.

Priyanka Gandhi said such administrative changes send a message of intimidation and can affect the neutrality of the electoral process, while Yadav questioned why similar interventions are reportedly not made in states like Uttar Pradesh, suggesting a bias in enforcement.

The opposition leaders urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections, emphasizing that impartial conduct is essential to maintain public trust in the democratic process. The controversy comes amid heightened political sensitivity as parties gear up for campaigning across multiple states.

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