Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 29 : Amid the high-voltage second phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections, Union Minister and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar on Tuesday expressed unwavering confidence in a BJP mandate, claiming the party has already passed a critical numerical milestone.
Speaking with ANI, he slammed Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing the ruling party of institutionalising criminal behaviour and obstructing the neutrality of the Election Commission (EC).
With polling underway today for the remaining 142 seats in the state's second and final phase, Majumdar asserted that the BJP's performance in the first phase on April 23 had already laid a winning foundation.
"The BJP has already secured 100 seats," Majumdar stated. "Now it is the BJP's turn to form the government in the second phase of the election."
Majumdar's most pointed barbs were reserved for TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, whom he accused of blurring the lines between politics and organised crime.
"The problem is that TMC is transforming the criminals into political leaders. Abhishek Banerjee is doing this kind of activity," Majumdar alleged.
He further argued that the TMC's habit of "partial administration" has led them to challenge the Election Commission's recent appointments in court. According to the Minister, the EC is finally bringing in officers known for "honesty, discipline, and being impartial," a move he claims the TMC is desperate to sabotage.
"TMC is not habituated to impartial administration. The Election Commission is appointing officers who are known for honesty, discipline and being impartial...They are trying to move to the court to obstruct the activities of the Election Commission and the officers appointed by the Election Commission of India...The police and the investigating agencies should always chase the criminals. The problem is that TMC is transforming the criminals into political leaders," he added.
Earlier, the Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred the Joint Block Development Officer (BDO) of Falta Development Block, Sourav Hazra, and also directed the removal of two Additional District Magistrate (ADM)-rank officers from election-related duties in West Bengal ahead of the second phase of legislative assembly polls.
The Commission has approved the transfer of Sourav Hazra, who was serving as Joint BDO, Falta Development Block and was also notified as Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) for 144-Falta Assembly Constituency. He has now been transferred to Purulia Headquarters as Joint BDO and will be replaced by Ramya Bhattacharya, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the rank of Joint BDO.
The Election Commission directed that the changes be implemented with immediate effect and asked for a compliance report."The Commission has approved the transfer proposal in respect of Sourav Hazra, Jt. BDO, Falta Dev. Block (notified as ARO for 144-Falta AC). Therefore, he shall be transferred from Falta to Purulia H.Q. as Jt. BDO and be replaced by Ramya Bhattacharya, OSD in the rank of Jt. BDO," the order stated.
Sources also confirmed that two Additional District MagistratesBhaskar Pal from South 24 Parganas and another from Birbhum, Souvik Bhattacharyahave been removed from election-related duties by the Election Commission.
Polling for the second phase of West Bengal elections will take place on April 29, with counting of votes on May 4.
The TMC is aiming to record a fourth consecutive victory, while the BJP looks to secure a mandate this time around after an improved tally of 77 seats in the 2021 polls.
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