Key Points
- BJP’s Shubhendu Adhikari demands West Bengal assembly elections be held separately from other states.
- Accuses TMC of fostering violence and creating an atmosphere of fear ahead of 2026 polls.
- Claims BJP workers were attacked en route to PM Modi’s rally; 22 injured and 34 vehicles vandalized.
- Alleges corruption in smart meter installations and rising electricity rates.
- BJP to launch awareness campaigns and raise issues in the Assembly.
Kolkata: As West Bengal gears up for its 2026 assembly elections, political tensions are already running high. Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Shubhendu Adhikari has formally requested the Election Commission of India to hold the Bengal assembly elections separately from those in other states, citing what he describes as a “climate of fear and intimidation” under the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
BJP Demands Special Election Arrangements
Adhikari’s demand comes as the Election Commission prepares for a busy election calendar, with assembly polls scheduled in Assam, Bihar, and Kerala, in addition to West Bengal next year. The BJP leader insists that the unique situation in Bengal requires special attention, arguing that simultaneous elections with other states would compromise the integrity of the process.
Allegations of Violence and Intimidation
On Thursday, Adhikari accused TMC-backed miscreants of orchestrating attacks on BJP supporters traveling to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Alipurduar. According to Adhikari, 34 vehicles were vandalized and 22 BJP workers were injured in the incident. He further alleged that TMC leaders have been using threatening and undemocratic language against the Prime Minister and BJP workers.
“The ruling party is creating an atmosphere of terror. Free and fair elections are simply not possible under the current circumstances,” Adhikari stated.
Corruption Allegations Over Smart Meters
In addition to concerns over election violence, Adhikari criticized the state government for rising electricity rates and alleged corruption in the installation of smart meters. He claimed that certain political leaders are taking commissions from private agencies responsible for installing these meters, and that the devices are overcharging consumers—billing them for 13 months instead of 12. While no concrete evidence was provided, Adhikari announced that the BJP would organize public meetings and awareness campaigns, and that party MLAs would raise the issue in the Assembly.
BJP’s Next Steps
- Awareness Campaigns: BJP plans to hold public meetings to highlight alleged corruption and violence.
- Legislative Action: BJP MLAs will bring up these issues in the state Assembly.
- Appeal to Election Commission: The party is urging the Election Commission to ensure that Bengal’s assembly elections are conducted independently, with heightened security and monitoring.
The Road to 2026
With the assembly elections still a year away, the BJP has already begun laying the groundwork for a fierce contest. The party’s demands for special election arrangements and its accusations against the TMC set the stage for a high-stakes political battle in West Bengal. As preparations intensify, all eyes will be on how the Election Commission responds and how the state government addresses these serious allegations.
