TMC Calls for Removal of Bhabanipur Returning Officer Amid Allegations of Bias

Original: Assembly Elections LIVE: Trinamool seeks removal of Bhabanipur RO, alleges proximity with BJP's Suvendu Adhikari

The Hindu•Apr 4, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has requested the removal of the Returning Officer for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in West Bengal, citing alleged favoritism towards BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. This comes as multiple parties prepare for upcoming elections in the region.

Key Points

01TMC alleges bias in the appointment of the Returning Officer in Bhabanipur.
02The BJP has announced its candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections.
03West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused rival parties of instigating unrest.
04Elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and April 29, 2026.
05Counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026.

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Full Summary

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has formally requested the removal of the Returning Officer for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in West Bengal, alleging that the official has close ties to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Suvendu Adhikari. The complaint was directed to West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar Agarwal. This development occurs as the BJP, which is part of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, announced its candidates for all 27 constituencies in the upcoming Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Congress has revealed candidates for 27 of the 28 constituencies allocated to it by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) for allegedly provoking disturbances against judicial officers in Malda district, while also accusing the Congress and BJP of inciting these actions. The elections in West Bengal are set for April 23 and April 29, 2026, with vote counting scheduled for May 4, 2026.

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Why It Matters

The TMC's request for the removal of the Returning Officer could influence the electoral process in Bhabanipur, affecting voter confidence and the integrity of the elections.

Who is affected

Voters in the Bhabanipur constituency and political candidates.

What to know

Citizens should stay informed about the developments regarding the election process and any changes to the electoral officials.

FAQ

TMC alleges that the Returning Officer has close ties to BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari, which could compromise the election's fairness.

The elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29, 2026, with vote counting on May 4, 2026.

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