TMC accuses ED of bias, Election Commission of ‘unconstitutional’ conduct

Moitra questioned the Election Commission’s handling of a representation submitted by a breakaway faction of the TMC, alleging that the commission acted unusually quickly after receiving the complaint. She said the faction submitted its representation on July 2 and the commission responded within a few hours, which she described as unprecedented compared with the usual pace of proceedings.

She further questioned how the faction was allowed to meet the Election Commission when, according to her, properly authorised representatives were normally required for such interactions.

Moitra said the TMC submitted its detailed response along with supporting documents on July 6, both through email and by personally visiting the Election Commission office in New Delhi. She alleged that while the party complied with the deadline, the opposing faction failed to submit its reply on time and was granted an extension until July 10.

She claimed that even after the extended deadline passed, the Election Commission had not informed the TMC about any response from the rival faction or the status of the proceedings. Moitra alleged that the process had created an unequal situation, particularly if the party’s submitted documents were shared with the other side before its response was filed.

“The Election Commission is expected to function as a neutral constitutional authority and provide a level-playing field,” Moitra said, alleging that transparency had not been maintained in the proceedings.

Moitra urged the EC to complete the inquiry based on the reply submitted by the TMC within the stipulated timeline. She said the TMC remained confident about its organisational identity and mandate, pointing out that 80 MLAs were elected on the party symbol and that more than two crore people voted for the party in West Bengal.

She alleged that the breakaway faction lacked knowledge of the party’s history and organisational structure, which was why it required additional time to respond.

Turning to welfare schemes, Moitra criticised changes allegedly affecting Lakshmir Bhandar, a financial assistance programme for women in West Bengal. She accused the BJP of reducing benefits after elections and questioned whether budget allocations would be sufficient to cover all existing beneficiaries.

On allegations of financial irregularities involving the Ram Temple Trust, Moitra reiterated the demand for a court-monitored investigation. She said millions of devotees had contributed money out of faith and argued that any misuse of donations would amount to a betrayal of public trust. She questioned why the ED had not taken action in the matter, alleging that similar allegations involving Opposition governments would have resulted in immediate investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Meanwhile, Sagarika Ghose accused the BJP of attempting to establish a “one-party state” by weakening Opposition parties and allegedly using constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission and investigative agencies against political opponents.

She alleged that the ED had disproportionately targeted Opposition leaders since 2014 and questioned why similar action was not taken in cases involving allegations against BJP leaders or governments.

Alleging selective action by investigative agencies, Ghose claimed that the Opposition party funds were being frozen while similar scrutiny was absent in cases involving institutions linked to the ruling party. She said such actions undermined democratic principles and the rule of law.

On the law and order situation in West Bengal, Ghose raised concerns over violence during protests in Baruipur, alleging that TMC workers were attacked while exercising their democratic right to demonstrate. She accused the state administration of failing to protect political workers and claimed that the situation reflected a breakdown of law and order.

Don’t give Ritabrata faction more time to reply: Mamata Banerjee

Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee has written to the Election Commission, urging it not to give more time to the rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee to submit claims on authorised signatories and organisational polls.