Suvendu Adhikari Writes to EC Accuses Bengal Govt of Politicising State Police

West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has accused the state government of politically misusing the police force and has sought immediate intervention from the Election Commission (EC). In a strongly worded letter, Adhikari alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has turned the state police into a partisan arm of the government, compromising both the fairness of administrative processes and the democratic rights of citizens.

Adhikari, a senior BJP leader and vocal critic of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claimed that the misuse of the police is most evident during political events, investigations, and law-and-order situations involving opposition workers. He alleged that the police often act with bias, targeting BJP supporters with fabricated cases while overlooking crimes and violations committed by ruling party members.

According to him, the situation has worsened in recent months, with multiple incidents indicating what he calls a “breakdown of institutional neutrality.” Adhikari urged the Election Commission to step in immediately to ensure that the upcoming elections whether local or parliamentary are conducted in a fair, free, and peaceful manner. He also requested that the EC deploy central forces in sensitive districts to prevent intimidation and violence, which he claims have become common in election seasons in the state.

In his letter, Adhikari cited specific cases where he believes police action or inaction reflected political bias. He pointed to alleged assaults on BJP workers during rallies, raids on homes of opposition leaders, and selective FIRs filed under political pressure. The LoP argued that these developments erode public confidence in law-enforcement institutions and undermine the rule of law in West Bengal.

The allegations have intensified the political debate in the state, which is no stranger to contentious accusations of violence and partisanship. The TMC, however, has dismissed Adhikari’s claims as baseless and politically motivated. Party leaders argue that the police operate independently and take action based on law and order necessities, not political instructions. They have accused Adhikari of attempting to malign the government ahead of elections and creating a false narrative of victimhood.

Observers note that West Bengal has long been a hotspot of political tensions, with frequent clashes between rival party workers. Allegations of police misuse or bias are not new, but the stakes are higher with national elections approaching. With both BJP and TMC deeply entrenched in their political battles, the role of law enforcement has become a central talking point.

The Election Commission is yet to issue an official response to Adhikari’s letter, but sources indicate that the matter is under review. Traditionally, the EC has deployed central forces in West Bengal during major elections to control violence and ensure impartiality often citing the state’s volatile political climate.

Adhikari’s letter is seen as part of a broader strategy by the BJP to spotlight governance lapses and mobilise support by positioning itself as the victim of state-sponsored intimidation. Meanwhile, the TMC maintains that the opposition is merely trying to stir unrest and portray the state government in poor light ahead of polling.

As the political temperature rises, the EC’s response and any subsequent action could play a crucial role in shaping the tone of the upcoming electoral season in West Bengal.