Kolkata: CPI(M) West Bengal State Secretary Md. Salim launched a blistering attack on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and local state machinery over alleged widespread irregularities and rigging in the ongoing by-elections
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Salim posted a critical update claiming that election integrity in Bengal has been severely compromised
"While whole country is protesting against the CEC, in Bengal it has shamelessly joined hands with the BJP led state officials to set a new record of rigging by-polls. Giving credence to the allegations of fraud and corruption. Even election agent was not allowed to vote." — Md Salim (@salimdotcomrade)
Key Highlights of the Allegations:
- Collusion Allegations: The Left leader accused election authorities and state officials of acting in tandem to rig the by-elections, creating what he called a "new record" in electoral manipulation
. - Disenfranchisement: Salim alleged severe malpractice on the ground, highlighting that even polling/election agents were blocked from exercising their right to vote
. - By-Poll Irregularities: The allegations come amid heightened tensions across key constituencies including Rejinagar and Nandigram, where opposition parties have raised concerns over booth intimidation, voter fraud, and administrative bias
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The Election Commission has not yet issued an official response to the CPI(M) state secretary's allegations. Opposition parties continue to demand strict oversight and intervention to ensure free and fair voting processes across the affected zones.
