The Aryavarth Express Barrackpore (West Bengal), March 19: Partha Bhowmick, a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress(TMC), on Thursday criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) over recent decisions related to the transfer and posting of election officials.
Speaking to reporters,Partha Bhowmick accused the poll body of acting in a partisan manner, alleging that it was functioning in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He claimed that the Commission’s actions resembled those of a political party office. At the same time, he expressed confidence in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying she continues to enjoy strong public support.
Bhowmick emphasised that elections are ultimately decided by voters, adding that TMC’s focus remains on connecting with the people and following Banerjee’s “Maa-Maati-Manush” (Mother-Land-People) philosophy. He also reiterated the party’s narrative that West Bengal prefers local leadership over “outsiders.”
Commenting on opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, Partha Bhowmick said that if he contests from Bhawanipore, he is likely to face defeat. He suggested that such a result would counter Adhikari’s past claims of defeating Banerjee.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has announced that elections for West Bengal’s 294 Assembly constituencies will be held in two phases—on April 23 and April 29, 2026. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4, with the entire election process set to conclude by May 6.
According to the ECI, the first phase will cover 152 constituencies, with nominations opening on March 30 and polling on April 23. The second phase, covering 142 constituencies, will begin with notifications on April 2, with voting scheduled for April 29.
