Suvendu Seeks CAPF Deployment Over TMC Neutrality Breach in SIR

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar alleging violations of the neutrality principle and possible misuse of police by the Trinamool Congress government during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. He urged the Election Commission to bar the West Bengal Police from primary election duties in the 2026 Assembly elections and to deploy the Central Armed Police Forces instead.

Adhikari flagged the participation of serving police officers and TMC leaders at a gathering described as the Second State Conference of Women Police Personnel, held on November 22, 2025, in Digha. He contended that what was billed as a welfare event for police personnel resembled a political rally orchestrated by the TMC, with active involvement from ministers, MLAs, and party leaders, thereby compromising neutrality and impartiality during the SIR process.

In his letter, the BJP leader described the event as a brazen political rally under the guise of a welfare conference and accused the ruling party of hijacking official functions for partisan purposes. He pressed the ECI to intervene, arguing that the ongoing revision and related activities in the state could affect the fairness of the electoral process and calling for a halt to police involvement in primary duties until CAPF deployment is ensured.

Adhikari also criticized the handling of the SIR exercise, asserting that neutrality principles are being breached and that the integrity of the electoral rolls is at risk. He demanded concrete steps from the Election Commission to safeguard voters’ rights and ensure a level playing field ahead of the next Assembly elections.

Cover image source: ECI should protect BLOs, safeguard voters' rights: TMC MP 🔗

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