West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal has firmly rejected allegations made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the Election Commission of India functioned at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party during the recently concluded state elections.
Responding to the claims, Agarwal underscored the transparency and accountability mechanisms in place, stating that the entire electoral process is monitored through CCTV surveillance. He questioned the basis of the allegations, noting that any instance of malpractice or violence would leave behind verifiable evidence.
“Everyone is being recorded on CCTV, who can beat whom? If something like that happens, a complaint would be filed, and there would be proof of it,” Agarwal said. He further added that any victim of wrongdoing during the polls would have formally lodged a complaint and received official acknowledgment.
Highlighting his professional integrity, Agarwal emphasized his independence from political influence. “I have come here based on my merit, after clearing the UPSC. I am not here to work for any political party or individual. I am here to work for the people and in the public interest,” he asserted.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal following the election results, with the ruling Trinamool Congress raising concerns over the conduct of the electoral process.
