The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken serious note of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent remarks allegedly threatening the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manoj Agarwal. The Commission has sought a video recording of her statement and its English translation from the CEO’s office for review.
The controversy erupted after Mamata, during a government function on Thursday, warned that she would “expose the corruption charges” against the Chief Electoral Officer if he “crossed his limits.” She also accused Agarwal of “threatening” her officers. The comments, made in the presence of State Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Minister Arup Biswas, have sparked political turmoil in the state.
According to ECI sources, the Commission viewed the matter as “serious,” given that the allegation directly involves the CEO.
“All information, including the evidence of the remarks, must be provided to the Lokpal,” an official said. The Commission formally asked for the video and translation on Friday, instructing that both be sent within the day.
When asked about the matter, Agarwal said, “The Commission has its own monitoring team that keeps track of public statements. There is no need to send any separate report from our end.”
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However, sources indicated that the Delhi Election Commission office received the video on Saturday. The controversy deepened after the BJP lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission within 24 hours of the Chief Minister’s statement. Led by Opposition Leader Shuvendu Adhikari, BJP legislators demanded that an FIR be filed against Mamata, claiming her remarks “undermine democratic institutions.”
In its letter, the BJP alleged, “When the Chief Minister of a state publicly threatens an election officer, it sends a message to the administration that loyalty to the ruling party, not to the Constitution, is paramount. This is not just political rhetoric — it is an attack on the foundation of democracy.”
The party has warned that if Mamata does not file a formal complaint against the CEO by Monday, it will stage an indefinite sit-in protest in front of the Election Commission office. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, has dismissed the allegations, insisting that Mamata’s remarks were a warning, not a threat.
“The BJP is blowing this out of proportion to score political points. The Chief Minister only said she won’t remain silent if someone acts beyond their authority,” a party spokesperson stated.
With the state Assembly elections just months away, the face-off between the Chief Minister and the Election Commission has intensified political tensions in Bengal. The escalating war of words between the Trinamool Congress, the Election Commission, and the BJP has now become the focal point of state politics.
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