Bengal polls: TMC seeks removal of Bhabanipur poll official, alleges proximity with BJP's Suvendu
_vb_44.jpeg)
Kolkata (PTI): The TMC sought the immediate removal of the returning officer for the Bhabanipur assembly constituency in West Bengal, alleging he has proximity with BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari.
In a representation submitted to Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Friday, the ruling party raised objections to the appointment of RO for the Bhabanipur seat in southern Kolkata.
The party alleged that the returning officer has a “documented and close association” with Adhikari, who is contesting from Bhabanipur against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Adhikari is also in the electoral fray from Nandigram in Purba Medinipur district.
According to the complaint, the RO had earlier served as block development officer in Nandigram-II, where his proximity to Adhikari was allegedly visible in public engagements.
The TMC claimed that such an association creates a “reasonable apprehension of bias” and "compromises the neutrality" required for conducting elections.
The party also questioned the RO's current posting as additional director of land records, stating that the position is typically held by more senior officers.
The TMC alleged that his appointment to the role, particularly ahead of elections, raises concerns of “preferential and motivated deployment”.
Emphasising the critical role of a returning officer, the TMC said the official is responsible for key electoral processes, including nomination scrutiny, conduct of polling and declaration of results, and therefore must be “unimpeachably neutral”.
Citing Article 324 of the Constitution and provisions of the Representation of the People Act, the Trinamool Congress argued that the Election Commission is duty-bound to ensure free and fair polls by appointing officers without any perceived bias.
On 24th March, we formally wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner and CEO, West Bengal, flagging serious concerns over the appointment of Surajit Roy as Returning Officer for Bhabanipur.
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 3, 2026
We presented clear evidence of his close ties with Suvendu Adhikari from his days as BDO,… pic.twitter.com/i6Rybh4xDt
The party also referred to the Model Code of Conduct, which mandates administrative neutrality, and alleged that the RO's continuation violates these principles.
The TMC representation noted that the Election Commission had earlier sought a panel of three alternative officers from the state government, following a complaint lodged on March 24.
While the state complied, no decision has yet been taken to replace the RO, the letter, signed by senior TMC leaders Shashi Panja, Aroop Biswas, Baiswanor Chattopadhyay, claimed.
Calling the situation "constitutionally untenable" and "electorally dangerous", the TMC urged the EC to take "immediate, reasoned and transparent action to ensure the integrity of the electoral process".
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Dr. U. T. Ifthikar Fareed inaugurates ‘Global Health Connect – 2026’ at MAHSA University in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur: Dr. U. T. Ifthikar Fareed, Chairman of the Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council inaugurated the ‘Global Health Connect – 2026’ international conference on Global Healthcare and Medical Sciences on Friday, April 3 at the MAHSA University, Malaysia. The inauguration ceremony was also led by Prof. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. HJ. Mohamed Haniffa Bin HJ. Abdullah, Pro-Chancellor and Executive Chairman of MAHSA University.
The event was graced by Chief Patrons, including Dr. M. R. Hulinaykar, Founder, Chairman & Managing Trustee of Sri Shridevi Charitable Trust (R.), Tumakuru; Dr. Raman M. Hulinaykar, Director & Trustee; and M. S. Patil, Director – HR & IT.
Guests of Honour at the inauguration included Dr. Lavanya Raman, Trustee; Ambika M. Hulinaykar, Trustee; Dr. Krishna M. C., Principal, SIAHS; and Dr. C. P. Chandrappa, Vice Principal, SIAHS.
The ‘Global Health Connect – 2026,’ brought together eminent leaders, academicians, and healthcare professionals from around the world.
The conference aims to serve as a dynamic platform for collaboration, fostering the exchange of innovative ideas, exploring emerging trends in healthcare and medical sciences, strengthening international partnerships, and advancing quality patient care.
