“Fake press IDs to TMC workers”: Suvendu Adhikari flags ‘grave conspiracy’, seeks ECI probe

Suvendu Adhikari has written to the Election Commission of India alleging a “grave conspiracy” involving the Trinamool Congress and political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee, claiming that fake press identification cards are being issued to party workers to influence the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. He urged the poll body to take immediate steps to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

In his communication, Adhikari alleged that individuals who are not professional journalists are being “disguised as members of the media” to gain access to sensitive locations such as polling booths and administrative hubs. He claimed that these so-called “pseudo-journalists” could use press credentials to move freely and potentially intimidate voters or manipulate the election process without attracting suspicion from authorities.

Calling it a “classic playbook strategy,” Adhikari further alleged misuse of the privileges associated with press identification, which provide greater mobility and access than ordinary party workers. He maintained that such actions, if true, could compromise the fairness of polling and undermine democratic norms during the high-stakes election period.

He has demanded a rigorous verification of all recently issued press cards and accreditation letters across the state. Additionally, he urged authorities to ensure that only journalists from recognised media organisations are allowed near polling stations after proper credential checks, and that district administrations and police closely monitor individuals claiming to be media personnel without a verified professional background.