TMC alleges bias in Bhowanipore RO, submits memorandum
Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress on Friday submitted a memorandum to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer seeking the removal of the Returning Officer of Bhowanipore Assembly Constituency, alleging bias and conflict of interest. The party claimed that the officer’s alleged proximity to Suvendu Adhikari, a contesting candidate, raises serious concerns over the neutrality of the electoral process and violates established guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
A four-member delegation visited the CEO office in the afternoon to submit the representation.
Following the submission, party leaders addressed a press meet, reiterating their demand for immediate intervention. Shashi Panja said: “We have placed clear and documented evidence before the Commission. Free and fair elections cannot be conducted under an officer whose neutrality is in question. We expect urgent corrective action to uphold the integrity of the process.”
Senior leader Aroop Biswas stated: “This time the election has been turned into a mockery. The election is being controlled by the BJP, not the Commission.”
Regarding the Form 6 submissions, the CEO reportedly told the delegation that the Commission would display district-wise Form 6 applications of voters who had been deleted in February. The delegation also complained about some voters whose names appear in both the Bihar voter list and the list of West Bengal. Panja stated: “Is it our work to find out? What is the Commission doing?”
Another claim of the TMC is that three BDOs have been posted in their home districts for election duty, which violates election rules.
According to the TMC, the Commission has taken note of the names and started an investigation. The memorandum also called for the appointment of a neutral and senior officer as Returning Officer, stressing that any delay in action could erode public confidence in the electoral system.
