Tension mounts in North Bengal ahead of Assembly polls
The Statesman | 21 April 2026
As campaigning for the 2026 Assembly elections gathers pace, North Bengal is witnessing a rise in minor clashes, counter-allegations, and charges of administrative irregularities.
The two principal political rivals ~ the BJP and the Trinamul Congress ~ have accused each other on multiple counts.
The BJP has alleged that certain Booth Level Officers (BLOs), purportedly aligned with the Trinamul Congress, are distributing voter slips using party banners without the permission of the Election Commission of India. BJP workers have, in several places, intervened and questioned how official duties are being carried out under alleged political influence.
On the other hand, the Trinamul Congress has accused the BJP of distributing “guarantee cards” among women, promising a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 as a counter to the state government’s popular Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. The TMC has further alleged that bank account details are being collected during this process. Protests over the issue have been reported from both the hills and the plains.
Meanwhile, confusion has also surfaced over voting by election duty personnel and police staff. In Malda district, allegations emerged that polling personnel were instructed to cast their votes at designated centres, but confusion on the ground led to unrest among several employees. In English Bazar, both TMC candidate Asish Kundu and BJP candidate Amlan Bhaduri voiced support for the aggrieved personnel, demanding a smooth and fair voting process.
Videos circulating on social media have also raised concerns, allegedly showing ballot boxes being handled without proper sealing. Following protests, authorities reportedly secured and sealed the boxes.
Jagannath Chattopadhyay, a BJP state-level leader and a candidate from Birbhum district , alleged “gross mismanagement” in the voting process for service voters. “Many police personnel on election duty did not receive their ballot papers, and several had to return without voting. This raises serious concerns of possible manipulation,” he said, adding that a formal complaint has been lodged with the Election Commission of India.
Responding to reports of irregularities in postal ballot voting from several districts, CEO Manoj Agarwal said the matter is under review and necessary steps are being taken to streamline the process.
In Cooch Behar, TMC candidate and minister Udayan Guha accused the Election Commission of bias. He alleged that BJP workers were distributing guarantee cards ahead of the polls, in violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Guha also claimed that there were plans to arrest several TMC leaders and candidates to prevent them from participating in election-related activities. He said a case has already been filed in the high court regarding the matter.
Amid the charged political atmosphere, civil society voices have also emerged in Siliguri. Artists, writers, teachers, and social activists have put up posters questioning the role of the Election Commission. They argued that excluding a significant number of eligible voters from the electoral rolls undermines democratic principles. Ajit Roy, a former professor of North Bengal University, said, “Elections must be free and fair, but if valid voters are denied their franchise, it poses a serious threat to democracy.”
Overall, the political temperature in North Bengal continues to rise ahead of the polls. With mounting allegations, administrative concerns, and growing unease among citizens, the electoral environment remains highly sensitive.