TMC moves ECI over ‘WhatsApp Order’ to search vehicles
The Statesman | 17 April 2026
The Trinamul Congress has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that instructions circulated via a WhatsApp group directed authorities to conduct searches of vehicles belonging to its leaders, sparking a fresh political confrontation ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026.
In its written complaint, the ruling party claimed that the alleged order specifically targeted all TMC leaders except Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The party further alleged that vehicles used by Abhishek Banerjee and his wife, Rujira Narula Banerjee, were also named for inspection.
Earlier, on Tuesday the party released screenshots of the purported WhatsApp chat containing the instructions.
According to TMC, the messages suggested that the Commission suspected money transfers could take place through Abhishek Banerjee’s wife, and therefore called for “thorough checking” of vehicles belonging to party leaders.
The screenshots, as claimed by the party, indicate that officials were instructed to conduct daylong checks at various checkpoints on vehicles used by TMC leaders and ministers, including those with security cover.
The alleged directive also mentioned that police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) should assist election observers, while a control room would monitor such “surprise” inspections.
TMC alleged that the Commission had effectively singled out its leadership and even extended scrutiny to family members.
The party further claimed that its outreach programmes and campaign-related activities were being targeted in the run-up to the polls.
However, questions have been raised over the authenticity and clarity of the screenshots.
The name “Abhishek” appears in different spellings in English, without any surname or designation, making it unclear whether the reference is indeed to the TMC national general secretary.
Similarly, while the chat reportedly refers to his wife, no name is explicitly mentioned.
The screenshots also allegedly contain broader instructions to election observers, including claims that money distribution was taking place under the guise of medical camps.
Specific areas such as Nadia, Basirhat, Bongaon, Canning, Tehatta, Ranaghat, Kakdwip, Magrahat-II, Diamond Harbour I and II, Falta and Lalbag were reportedly flagged for checks, particularly at blood donation camps.