BJP candidate in Bankura faces row over alleged use of central forces in campaign
The Statesman | 26 March 2026
As the campaign for the West Bengal Assembly elections gathers momentum, a controversy has erupted in Bankura after a video surfaced on social media allegedly showing a central forces jawan carrying cut-outs of a BJP party symbol during a candidate’s campaign.
The video, which has gone viral, purportedly shows BJP candidate Niladri Shekhar Dana arriving in a village for campaigning.
After stepping out of his vehicle, he was seen instructing a central forces personnel assigned to his security.
The jawan, then allegedly was seen taking out several lotus symbol cut-outs from the vehicle and handing them over to BJP workers standing nearby.
However, The Statesman has not verified the authenticity of this video independently.
The incident has triggered a political storm in the district, with the Trinamul Congress (TMC) demanding cancellation of the BJP candidate’s nomination.
The controversy comes at a time when allegations of misuse of state machinery have frequently been raised by opposition parties, particularly against the ruling TMC.
The BJP has often accused the state police of bias, prompting the Election Commission of India to take measures to ensure free and fair polls by curbing the role of state police and deploying central forces across the state.
Now, the alleged involvement of a central forces jawan in campaign-related activities has drawn criticism towards the BJP candidate and the party.
The TMC has approached the Election Commission seeking strict action.
“Central forces are meant to safeguard the country’s security and integrity. The way the BJP candidate has used them for party work is beyond condemnation. The ECI seems to have turned a blind eye. We have demanded cancellation of his candidature,” TMC’s Bankura organisational district president Tarashankar Ray said.
Responding to the allegations, BJP candidate Niladri Shekhar Dana defended himself, saying, “The lotus flower is used to worship Goddess Durga. Everyone should have a lotus in their hands. Those who have not yet taken the lotus are against the nation and against God.”