Bengal polls: TMC seeks removal of Bhabanipur RO, alleges proximity with BJP's Suvendu
The Hindu
TMC demands removal of Bhabanipur RO, citing bias due to ties with BJP's Suvendu Adhikari amid ongoing electoral concerns.
The TMC on Friday (April 3, 2026) sought the immediate removal of the Returning Officer for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in West Bengal, alleging his proximity with BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari.
In a representation submitted to West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the ruling party raised objections to the appointment of RO for the Bhabanipur seat in southern Kolkata.
The party alleged that the returning officer has a “documented and close association” with senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is contesting from Bhabanipur against Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee.
Mr. Adhikari is also in the electoral fray from Nandigram in Purba Medinipur district.
According to the complaint, the RO had earlier served as block development officer in Nandigram-II, where his proximity to Mr. Adhikari was allegedly visible in public engagements.
The TMC claimed that such an association creates a “reasonable apprehension of bias” and "compromises the neutrality" required for conducting elections.
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