TMC Files Another Complaint Against Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose For ‘Interfering’ In Lok Sabha Polls
Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday raised concerns with the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding Governor CV Ananda Bose’s alleged “illegal interference” in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, 2024. The complaint accused Bose of attempting to visit polling areas during the “silent period” on polling days, specifically on April 18, 19, prompting the ruling party in the state to take the action.
Notably, this is not the first time the Bengal-ruling party has filed a complaint against the Governor. Earlier on March 22, the party filed a complaint with ECI, accusing Bose of “illegally interfering” in the general elections and attempting to establish a “parallel office” similar to that of the ECI.
The latest development comes amidst a backdrop of political tensions in West Bengal, where discussions surrounding operational confusion in state-run universities led to a public exchange between Governor Bose and Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu. Following Basu’s remarks labelling him as “insane”, Bose retaliated, asserting that the allegations were an attempt to “tarnish” his relationship with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, his constitutional colleague.
First Phase Of Polling In Bengal
As the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal approaches, with crucial battlegrounds in North Bengal, both the TMC and BJP intensify their efforts to secure key constituencies. The BJP aims to build upon its 2019 success by retaining its grip on constituencies like Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri, all of which it won previously.
In response, the TMC, under CM Banerjee’s leadership, is striving to reclaim these seats, aiming to weaken the saffron party’s influence in the region.
Key issues, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and concerns over violence and clashes, dominated the campaign rhetoric in Bengal. The Eelection Commission has deployed over 272 central armed police force (CAPF) battalions to maintain security during electoral processes.
