Congress Leader Subhankar Sarkar Slams ‘Unfair’ Bypolls in West Bengal, Calls for Election Reforms

GG News Bureau

Kolkata, West Bengal,  14th Nov: In the aftermath of the bypolls held in West Bengal on November 13, Congress state president Subhankar Sarkar voiced his strong disappointment, alleging that the elections were neither free nor fair. Sarkar called on the Election Commission (EC) to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in future elections.

“In Bengal, whatever the election, I do not see the chance of a free and fair process. When such conditions prevail, we know the results in advance,” Sarkar said. “I request the Election Commission not to allow such elections to happen,” he added, highlighting what he called constant obstruction by the ruling party during campaigning, public meetings, and processions. He stressed that the ruling party’s tactics were undermining democracy, especially when voters were threatened or intimidated at polling stations.

Sarkar’s remarks were echoed by BJP candidate Dilip Kumar Roy, who accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters of intimidating BJP voters in the Sitai Assembly constituency. Roy claimed that polling booths were deserted due to fear, as “TMC goons” roamed the area threatening voters into staying away from the polls. “Voters are scared, and the local administration and police are helping TMC,” Roy said.

BJP leader Amit Malviya also criticized the violence during the bypolls, particularly the alleged attack on party candidate Rahul Lohar from the Madarihat constituency. According to Malviya, Lohar’s vehicle was vandalized and he was attacked with “life-threatening weapons” by TMC supporters. Malviya accused Mamata Banerjee’s government of allowing such acts under the watch of the police. “Democracy and citizen rights are a sham in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is less of a Chief Minister, more like the ringleader of a criminal syndicate,” Malviya stated.

The by-elections for six assembly seats—Taldangra, Sitai, Madarihat, Naihati, Medinipur, and Haroa—were held on November 13. Results are expected to be announced on November 23. Except for Madarihat, all other constituencies were previously won by the TMC in the 2021 Assembly elections.

The allegations of violence, intimidation, and malpractice have cast a shadow over the electoral process in the state, with opposition leaders calling for urgent reforms to ensure fair elections in the future.