‘Hooliganism will not be tolerated’: ECI’s strong warning to TMC ahead of Bengal assembly elections
The Statesman | 1 April 2026
The Election Commission of India on Wednesday issued a stern warning, stating that no form of hooliganism will be tolerated outside the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer’s office, as tensions escalate ahead of the Assembly elections.
In a sharply worded statement, the Commission squarely blamed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for recent disruptions and made it clear that strict action would follow any breach of law and order.
The warning comes after two back-to-back incidents in central Kolkata: violent clashes between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and TMC workers in front of the CEO’s office, followed by an overnight protest staged by TMC supporters.
The demonstration saw party workers accusing the Election Commission and the CEO’s office of colluding with the BJP to allegedly include voters from other states in West Bengal’s electoral rolls, a claim already dismissed by officials.
In a social media statement issued on Wednesday morning, the CEO’s office held the Trinamool Congress responsible for the hooliganism, condemned the late-night protest, and warned of legal consequences.
According to the statement, a local councillor from Beleghata, accompanied by some hooligans, allegedly gheraoed the office and raised slogans past midnight despite prohibitory orders being in place in front of the CEO’s office barring a large gathering of people there.
Officials reiterated that such actions would not derail preparations for the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections and that ensuring free and fair polls remains the Commission’s top priority.
Following the unrest, West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal held a high-level meeting with Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand to review security arrangements around the office premises.
Authorities noted that the protest violated restrictions on public gatherings, raising concerns about law enforcement ahead of polling.
The developments come amid a growing political row over alleged voter list manipulation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused BJP workers of submitting fraudulent Form-6 applications to add “outsiders” to the state’s voter rolls.
However, CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal dismissed the allegations raised by Trinamool Congress, asserting that due process is being followed and safeguards are in place to prevent irregularities.
Amid the escalating war of words and street protests, the Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to conducting transparent and peaceful elections in West Bengal.
The poll body emphasized that no amount of political pressure or disruption would be allowed to interfere with the democratic process.