Election Commission Suspends Official in West Bengal for Alleged BJP Campaign Involvement
EC suspends sector assistant in Bengal’s Panihati over video of ‘involvement in BJP campaign’
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
The Election Commission of India has suspended Atanu Chakraborty, a sector assistant in Panihati, West Bengal, for allegedly assisting in BJP campaign preparations. This action follows a viral video shared by TMC candidate Kunal Ghosh, highlighting Chakraborty's involvement, which the EC deemed a serious violation of electoral conduct.
- 01Atanu Chakraborty was suspended for alleged involvement in BJP campaign activities.
- 02The suspension was prompted by a video posted by TMC candidate Kunal Ghosh.
- 03Chakraborty's actions were deemed a violation of the Representation of the People Act 1951.
- 04He must respond to a show-cause notice within 24 hours.
- 05The Panihati constituency is a key battleground in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal elections.
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The Election Commission of India has suspended Atanu Chakraborty, a sector assistant in the Panihati Assembly constituency, due to allegations of his involvement in preparing campaign materials for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This decision was triggered by a video shared on social media by Kunal Ghosh, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate, which purportedly showed Chakraborty engaged in campaign activities. The Election Commission stated that Chakraborty's actions represent a serious violation of the Representation of the People Act 1951, compromising the neutrality required of election personnel. Following his suspension, Chakraborty has been issued a show-cause notice, requiring him to explain within 24 hours why further action should not be taken against him. During this period, he is restricted from leaving his headquarters without permission. The Panihati constituency is significant in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal elections, with the BJP fielding a candidate who is the mother of a victim in a high-profile case, aiming to challenge the ruling TMC's record.
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This suspension aims to uphold the integrity of the electoral process in West Bengal, ensuring that election personnel remain impartial and free from political affiliations.
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