Kolkata, Trinamool Congress has accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader Shubhendu Adhikari of violating the election code of conduct and filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer in this regard.

In a letter to the election authorities, Trinamool alleged that Shubhendu Adhikari, who is contesting elections from the Nandigram and Bhabanipur assembly constituencies and is a star campaigner for the BJP, held a public meeting on April 20 at Sonakhali High School ground in South 24 Parganas in support of party candidate Tapan Datta, violating the time limit. According to the complaint, permission for the meeting was granted until 1:30 PM, but Shubhendu’s helicopter reportedly landed at the venue around 3:10 PM, and the meeting continued until about 5:00 PM.

The letter stated, “Seriously violating the scheduled time for the meeting, Shubhendu Adhikari, Tapan Datta, and other BJP leaders violated the code of conduct and the Election Commission’s directives.” Trinamool also alleged that during the event, police and central armed forces blocked surrounding roads, disrupting the state’s ruling party’s pre-approved schedule.

Questions raised on impartiality of police and central forces

The complaint stated that such action amounts to a “monopoly over public spaces,” which is prohibited under the code of conduct. The party cited the Election Commission’s 2023 rulebook on force deployment during elections and the handbook for police observers, alleging that the conduct of police and central forces was “biased” and violated the principle of expected impartiality during elections.

The letter said, “Such a biased attitude of the administration and central forces raises serious questions about their impartiality.” Trinamool has urged the Election Commission to take appropriate action against the concerned BJP leaders and officials. Shubhendu Adhikari could not be contacted for comment in this regard.

Nandigram

Nandigram is a historic town in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India, known for its significant role in the state’s political and agricultural movements. It gained international attention in 2007 for large-scale protests against a proposed Special Economic Zone by the Salim Group, which led to violent clashes and a major political controversy. The area has a deep-rooted history as a rural agricultural hub, with its name reflecting its cultural ties to ancient Hindu mythology.

Bhabanipur

Bhabanipur is a village in the Indian state of West Bengal, historically significant as the birthplace of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’s wife, Holy Mother Sarada Devi, in 1853. The site includes the Sarada Devi Temple and her ancestral home, which are important pilgrimage destinations for followers of the Ramakrishna movement. It remains a peaceful rural location that attracts devotees seeking spiritual connection to her life and teachings.

Sonakhali High School ground

Sonakhali High School ground is a historic sports field located in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal, India, serving as a central hub for local athletic events and community gatherings. Established alongside the school in the mid-20th century, the ground has witnessed generations of students and residents engaging in cricket, football, and cultural festivals. Its open space provides a vital recreational area amidst the ecologically sensitive and rural landscape of the Sundarbans.

South 24 Parganas

South 24 Parganas is a district in the Indian state of West Bengal, located in the southern part of the Ganges Delta. Historically, it was part of the larger 24 Parganas district, which was named after the 24 revenue divisions established by the British East India Company in the 18th century. Today, the area is known for the Sundarbans mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its rich cultural heritage shaped by Bengali traditions and colonial history.