TMC claims EC order targeting vehicle checks of Abhishek Banerjee and wife, calls it ‘political vendetta’

A fresh political controversy has erupted ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections after the Trinamool Congress alleged that the Election Commission of India ordered the checking of vehicles belonging to its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and his wife Rujira Banerjee. The allegation is based on a screenshot of a purported WhatsApp message shared by the party, which it claims outlines specific instructions for vehicle searches.

According to the TMC, the alleged message directed authorities to check vehicles of all party leaders and ministers, explicitly stating that no exemptions should be granted to Abhishek Banerjee and Rujira Banerjee under any circumstances. The message reportedly mentioned concerns over funds being diverted under the guise of health camps, which was cited as the reason for intensified vehicle checks. Notably, it also claimed that party supremo Mamata Banerjee was excluded from such checks.

The party has strongly criticised the directive, calling it politically motivated and accusing the Election Commission of acting under pressure to benefit the BJP. It alleged that the instruction, purportedly circulated via a WhatsApp group among police, observers, and central armed police forces, reflects a targeted attempt to disrupt TMC’s campaign and outreach activities. The TMC further described the move as “politics of revenge” ahead of the elections.

With the Assembly polls scheduled this month, law and order in the state remains under the direct control of the Election Commission. The Commission has already implemented multiple administrative changes in the police and bureaucracy to ensure free and fair elections, a process that has itself drawn political criticism. The emergence of the alleged message has added to the tensions, intensifying the political confrontation in the run-up to voting.