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Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Tuesday condemned the attack on Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) workers outside the Election Commissioner's office by Trinamool Congress (TMC) party workers, calling TMC "the face of violence."
Speaking to the reporters, Mazumdar emphasised the need for a strict law and order situation in view of the Assembly elections. "The TMC's desperation is growing day by day. Today, our workers were standing before the Election Commission. They were attacked by TMC goons. This is the true face of the Trinamool Congress, the face of violence. Therefore, to ensure the elections are free and fair, strict restrictions and rigorous enforcement of law and order are essential. Otherwise, it will be impossible for the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections here," he said. Earlier on Tuesday, the BJP wrote a letter to the Chief Eelection Commissioner, West Bengal, accusing CM Mamata Banerjee of delivering inflammatory speeches that undermine the integrity of the ongoing electoral process. The letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, read, "Sir, We wish to draw your immediate attention to a series of deeply concerning public statements and developments that point to a systematic campaign of provocation, intimidation, and incitement to violence-posing a serious threat to the integrity of the ongoing electoral process, as well as repeated violations of the Model Code of Conduct, electoral and criminal laws. Recent grave and disturbing public statements by the Chief Minister of West Bengal Ms. Mamata Banerjee, during the ongoing electoral process, delivered across multiple public rallies across the State, indicate a consistently troubling pattern of rhetoric aimed at instilling fear and coercing voters, posing a threat to free, fair and peaceful elections." The letter further read, "We give below a few examples: During a public rally at Mainaguri, North Bengal, on 25th March 2026, the Chief Minister reportedly stated that after the elections, the public would be compelled to display posters outside their homes declaring, 'I don't support BJP'. Such remarks amount to a direct threat to freedom of political expression and voter autonomy." West Bengal will hold polling for the elections in two phases, with the first phase scheduled on April 23 and the second phase on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4. West Bengal has a total of 6,45,61,152 electors as per the Election Commission of India, including 6,44,52,609 general electors and 1,08,543 service voters. The state has 5,23,229 young electors aged 18-19 years. The last date for filing nominations for this phase is April 6, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 7. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations until April 9. Polling for the first phase will be held on April 23. (ANI)
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