West Bengal’s political landscape heated up after a purported video surfaced online, depicting TMC loyalists disrupting a voter revision hearing in Bhaduriya, North 24 Parganas, sparking accusations of electoral sabotage.
Shared widely by Suvendu Adhikari, the video shows rowdy TMC elements, allegedly guided by their leaders, halting proceedings on draft voter list claims. Adhikari didn’t mince words: ‘The government’s complicity in this anarchy is evident. Post-Farakka and Chakulia, Bhaduriya proves the collapsing law enforcement, tailored to let TMC indulge in fraudulent voter additions during SIR without hindrance.’
These interruptions aren’t new. Since SIR kicked off, TMC activists—frequently with MLAs at the helm—have systematically targeted sessions statewide. The ECI, growing impatient, has mandated police protection at all sites and voiced concerns in high-level talks.
Notably, during a February 2 meeting, CEC Gyanesh Kumar confronted Mamata Banerjee’s delegation, declaring that ECI would not abide interference in the revision drive. Yet, incidents persist, fueling doubts about the fairness of Bengal’s voter rolls.
As the video racks up views, it symbolizes a broader crisis: eroding democratic norms under TMC rule. Adhikari’s call for accountability resonates with many, pressuring the ECI for swift measures like deploying central forces. Stakeholders watch closely, aware that clean electoral lists are foundational to credible elections. The onus lies on the state to clamp down—or risk national scrutiny.