Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 8: A meeting between a delegation of the Trinamool Congress and the full bench of the Election Commission of India on Wednesday ended on a bitter note, with both sides trading sharp allegations.

Senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien claimed that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar asked the delegation to “get lost” during the interaction. He said the party had submitted letters from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and raised concerns over alleged links between certain poll officials and the BJP.

O’Brien further alleged that despite multiple meetings with the Commission, meaningful engagement was lacking, claiming that other election commissioners remained silent during the discussion.

However, sources within the Commission rejected the allegations, stating that the situation escalated after members of the delegation raised their voices. The Chief Election Commissioner reportedly asked them to maintain decorum, asserting that “shouting and indecent behaviour is not appropriate.”

The tense exchange comes ahead of the crucial 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The Commission reiterated that the polls would be conducted in a “fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free” manner.

Polling for the 294-member Assembly is scheduled in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting set for May 4.

The friction largely stems from the TMC’s objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party has alleged that the exercise disproportionately removed voters, accusing the Commission of bias.

According to TMC claims, nearly 60 lakh voters were placed under adjudication, with around 27 lakh names already removed, bringing down the total electorate in the state significantly.

The developments underline escalating political tensions in West Bengal as the state heads into a high-stakes electoral battle.