BJP does not believe in free & fair polls: Shashi Panja
The Statesman | 17 April 2026
The BJP does not believe in free and fair elections and so has used the Election Commission of India to create fear psychosis among the voters, alleged Dr Shashi Panja at a Press conference today.
She said: “We really do not know the exact number of voters as the electoral roll is not yet ready. The ECI forced people to stand in long queues. Now, they have said the CRPF jawans will check the documents of the voters. This is another measure to terrorise them,” she said.
Dr Panja said the BJP is trying out all sorts of nasty means that the election preview conducted by different agencies have confirmed that Trinamul Congress is coming back to power in Bengal. “The BJP cannot digest it and hence has created an atmosphere of fear psychosis.”
The ECI has announced two phase elections in Bengal. “During the COVID period they had conducted 8 phase elections and now two phases. This is their arbitrary decision. The people of Bengal are watching everything and will give a befitting reply in the election,” she said.
Dr Panja maintained the BJP often talks about “paribartan” which means change. “It is urgently needed that they change their mindset and become democratic. They have destroyed the independence of the agencies and made them their tool to coerce others.”
She alleged the BJP was bringing people from other states to disturb Bengal. “I urge people to become vigilant and cautious.”