Bhabanipur returning officer row: TMC urges removal, citing alleged links to Suvendu Adhikari

The Trinamool Congress has asked West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal to remove the returning officer for Bhabanipur, citing alleged proximity to BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. The party said the reported association, including past postings in Nandigram-II, could create reasonable concerns about bias and undermine election neutrality.

The Trinamool Congress on Friday asked the Election Commission to remove the returning officer for Bhabanipur. The party said the official had close links with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Adhikari is contesting from Bhabanipur against Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. The party said this link could affect election neutrality.

In a representation to West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the TMC objected to the RO’s posting. The seat lies in southern Kolkata. The party said the officer had a documented association with Adhikari. Adhikari is also in the electoral fray from Nandigram in Purba Medinipur district.

Bhabanipur returning officer and Suvendu Adhikari link

The complaint said the RO earlier worked as block development officer in Nandigram-II. The TMC alleged the officer’s closeness to Adhikari appeared during public engagements. The party said this history created a reasonable fear of bias. The TMC argued that such a perception could weaken trust in the poll process.

The TMC also questioned the officer’s current role as additional director of land records. The party said the post is usually held by more senior officers. It claimed the appointment, just before elections, looked like preferential deployment. The letter said this timing raised doubts about a motivated administrative move.

Bhabanipur returning officer role in election process

Emphasising the RO’s responsibilities, the TMC said the officer handles nomination scrutiny and polling arrangements. The RO also oversees result declaration, the party said. Because of these duties, the TMC argued the officer must be unimpeachably neutral. The party said even a perceived conflict can harm election fairness.

The representation cited Article 324 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act. The TMC said these provisions require the Election Commission to ensure free and fair polls. It also pointed to the Model Code of Conduct and its demand for administrative neutrality. The party alleged the RO’s continuation breached these principles.

Bhabanipur returning officer replacement request and Election Commission process

The TMC said the Election Commission had already sought three alternative names from the state government. This followed a complaint lodged on March 24, the party noted. The representation said the state sent the panel. It added that no step had been taken to replace the RO so far.

The letter was signed by senior TMC leaders Shashi Panja, Aroop Biswas, Baiswanor Chattopadhyay. The party called the situation Constitutionally untenable and electorally dangerous. It urged immediate, reasoned and transparent action. The TMC said such action was needed to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

With inputs from PTI