IMA state branch election cancelled over fraud claims; TMC Dr Santanu Sen loses 7th term as General Secretary

The central branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has officially cancelled the state branch elections for the 2025-27 term due to confirmed irregularities. The decision follows allegations of large-scale electoral fraud during the vote counting held on December 18. As a result, suspended Trinamool doctor Santanu Sen, who had been declared winner for the seventh consecutive time as the state branch general secretary, has lost his position.

During the counting process at the IMA office, bouncers were deployed, raising concerns over the conduct and security of the election. Multiple complaints were registered about interference by musclemen in the election process and about irregularities in the distribution of ballots. These complaints highlighted that supporters of Santanu Sen were selectively sent ballots, while doctors backing opposition candidates were denied them.

A formal petition was filed by Dr. Sujal Biswas, a candidate in the election, who requested the central branch to cancel the results on grounds of malpractice. Following an investigation, the IMA central branch declared the entire committee elected for 2025-27 dissolved and ordered fresh elections to be conducted within two months. The order also directs the formation of a new committee after the re-election.

Santanu Sen’s political and professional challenges have escalated after his vocal opposition to the then college principal Sandip Ghosh in the RG Kar scam case. Subsequently, Sen was suspended by the Trinamool party and removed from the post of government representative in the State Medical Council. The cancellation of the state IMA election adds to his current setbacks.