TMC demands immediate removal of Bhabanipur RO citing ties to Suvendu; Derek O’Brien writes to EC

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has raised objections over the appointment of a returning officer for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, writing to the Election Commission of India and seeking his immediate removal. The party alleged that the officer’s appointment raises serious concerns about neutrality ahead of the upcoming elections.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner, TMC MP Derek O'Brien claimed that Surajit Roy, previously serving as Block Development Officer of Nandigram-II, is “closely associated” with Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP leader contesting from Bhabanipur. The party argued that such an association creates a reasonable apprehension of bias and could undermine the fairness of the electoral process.

The development comes shortly after the Election Commission appointed 73 returning officers across West Bengal. The TMC emphasised that the role of a returning officer is crucial in ensuring free and transparent elections, and any perceived conflict of interest violates the principles of neutrality mandated under Article 324 of the Constitution and the Model Code of Conduct.

The party has demanded that Surajit Roy be removed from all election-related duties in Bhabanipur and replaced with a neutral and senior officer with no perceived political affiliation. The controversy has added to the political tension ahead of the two-phase polling in West Bengal scheduled for April 23 and 29.