“External endorsement misplaced”: Sanjay Raut writes to Donald Trump over Bengal election remarks

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has written a strongly worded letter to US President Donald Trump after Trump congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections. In the letter shared on social media platform X, Raut questioned the fairness of the election process and objected to what he described as external endorsement of an internal democratic matter.

Addressing Trump directly, Raut wrote that the West Bengal Assembly elections were state-level polls and an internal matter of India’s federal democracy. He stated that any outside endorsement of the election outcome appeared “premature and inappropriate.” The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further said that several complaints had emerged alleging fear, intimidation and systematic pressure during the elections.

Raut also raised concerns regarding the functioning of the Election Commission during the electoral process. In the letter, he claimed there was a widespread perception that the Election Commission had not functioned impartially and had appeared tilted in favour of the BJP. He further alleged that the large-scale deployment of central forces created an atmosphere of coercion rather than confidence among voters.

The Rajya Sabha MP also referred to objections raised by opposition leaders regarding the election process. He wrote that senior leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, had publicly questioned the fairness of the elections and said these concerns reflected broader unease that could not be ignored. Raut added that democracy was not only about conducting elections but also about ensuring they were free, fair and credible.

Earlier, Donald Trump had congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the BJP’s victory in West Bengal. According to statements issued by the White House, the BJP’s win was described as “historic and decisive.” White House spokesperson Kush Desai had also stated that Trump had expressed admiration for Modi during a phone conversation last month and remarked that India was fortunate to have him as Prime Minister.