Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and MP Kalyan Banerjee on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging bias in the electoral process and raising questions over recent administrative appointments in West Bengal and Kerala.
Addressing reporters, Banerjee claimed that the Commission has been functioning in a “selective and partisan manner” during election-related activities. He alleged that certain decisions taken by the poll body were influenced by the ruling establishment at the Centre, which he said undermines the fairness of the democratic process.
Banerjee specifically targeted the appointments and role of the Chief Secretaries of West Bengal and Kerala, arguing that such administrative postings during sensitive electoral periods raise concerns about neutrality. He suggested that the Election Commission’s involvement in bureaucratic decisions in opposition-ruled states reflects an attempt to influence governance structures ahead of elections.
According to him, the transfer and appointment of senior officials during the election cycle should follow strict neutrality, and any deviation from established norms weakens public trust in independent institutions. He added that opposition parties are increasingly concerned about what they describe as “institutional interference” in state administration.
The TMC leader further alleged that complaints raised by opposition parties during recent elections have not been addressed with equal seriousness. He claimed that there is a pattern of ignoring grievances from non-ruling parties while acting swiftly on issues raised by the ruling party, though he did not provide specific instances in his statement.
Banerjee also criticised the broader electoral environment, stating that fairness in elections is not only about voting day procedures but also about pre-poll administrative decisions, deployment of officials, and oversight mechanisms. He said that when neutrality is questioned at the administrative level, it affects the credibility of the entire electoral process.
Reacting to similar past allegations, the Election Commission has consistently maintained that all decisions regarding transfers and appointments of officials are taken in accordance with established guidelines and in consultation with relevant authorities to ensure free and fair elections.
The controversy adds to the ongoing political tension between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP, with repeated exchanges over the functioning of constitutional bodies and the conduct of elections in various states.
As the debate intensifies, opposition leaders are expected to raise the issue further in Parliament and through formal representations to the Election Commission in the coming days.
