TMC files complaint with EC over ‘WhatsApp instructions’ to search Abhishek and Rujira’s vehicles

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has filed a formal written complaint with the Election Commission of India, alleging that “WhatsApp instructions” were circulated to conduct searches of vehicles belonging to its leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee and his wife Rujira Narula Banerjee. The development comes a day after the party publicly released screenshots of the alleged messages.

In its complaint, TMC has accused the Commission of selectively targeting its leadership ahead of the ongoing elections. The party claimed that the instructions, allegedly shared in a WhatsApp group, directed authorities to carry out surprise vehicle checks on several TMC leaders while excluding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. According to the party, the messages specifically mentioned Abhishek Banerjee and indicated that his wife could be linked to financial irregularities.

TMC further alleged that the instructions called for day-long surveillance and checking of vehicles used by leaders and ministers with security cover. The screenshots released by the party also suggested that police and central armed police forces were asked to assist election observers, with monitoring being conducted from a central control room. The party has termed these actions as politically motivated and an attempt to disrupt its campaign outreach.

However, the authenticity and interpretation of the screenshots have raised questions. The messages reportedly contained variations in the spelling of Abhishek’s name and did not clearly mention surnames, creating ambiguity over whether the references were explicitly directed at the TMC national general secretary and his family. Despite this, the party has maintained that the intent of the instructions was clear and targeted.

The complaint marks a fresh escalation in the ongoing tensions between TMC and the Election Commission during the election period. The party has urged the Commission to clarify the origin and intent of the alleged instructions, even as the broader political confrontation over administrative neutrality continues to intensify.