Kolkata:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has demanded the full video recording of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent remarks allegedly warning West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manoj Agarwal. The request comes just months ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in the state, adding another layer of tension to an already charged political atmosphere.
According to sources, the ECI has sought both the original footage and an official translation of the Chief Minister’s statements from the CEO’s office by the end of the day. The move follows reports that Banerjee had threatened to reveal “corruption allegations” against the state’s top election official if he “overstepped his limits.”
Mamata Banerjee’s Remarks Spark Controversy
During a public event attended by senior state officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Minister Aroop Biswas, Mamata Banerjee accused the CEO of intimidating her officers. In a sharp warning, she said she would make public alleged corruption cases against him if he continued to act “beyond his jurisdiction.”
This is the first instance since Banerjee assumed office in 2011 that she has openly levelled such serious allegations against a state election chief. Her comments have now triggered a fierce political confrontation, with opposition parties accusing her of attempting to intimidate the election machinery ahead of the polls.
Election Commission Steps In
Sources within the CEO’s Kolkata office confirmed that the Election Commission had sent an urgent communication requesting the video and its transcript. The Commission intends to review whether the remarks violate the Model Code of Conduct or amount to an attempt to undermine the autonomy of the election authority.
Officials said that any formal complaint or allegation against a Chief Electoral Officer must be backed by evidence and submitted to the Lokpal for investigation. The Commission is reportedly treating the issue with “utmost seriousness,” given its potential impact on public confidence in the state’s electoral process.
BJP Files Complaint, Demands FIR Against CM
The controversy deepened after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) submitted a formal complaint to the Election Commission through the CEO’s office. The letter, signed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and several BJP MLAs, demanded that an FIR be registered against the Chief Minister for allegedly threatening a constitutional officer.
“When the Chief Minister of a state openly threatens officers entrusted with ensuring free and fair elections, it sends a dangerous signal that loyalty to the ruling party outweighs loyalty to the Constitution,” the BJP’s letter read.
The party further alleged that Banerjee’s remarks were “not political rhetoric” but an “attempt to subvert the foundation of Indian democracy.” BJP leaders have also announced that if Banerjee fails to provide proof of her corruption allegations against the CEO by Monday, they will launch an indefinite protest outside the Election Commission’s office in Kolkata.
It is with grave concern and utmost urgency that I draw the attention of the Respected Chief Election Commissioner of India, to the blatant and audacious threats made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, who is a… pic.twitter.com/BMvDJo9wLv
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) October 9, 2025
TMC Defends Mamata, Calls It “Political Targeting”
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has dismissed the BJP’s accusations as “politically motivated.” Senior party leader and Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said that Banerjee’s comments were made “in response to administrative overreach” and not as a threat.
“The Chief Minister only reminded the officer to act within his official limits. The BJP is trying to twist her statement for electoral gain,” Bhattacharya said, accusing the opposition of using the Election Commission to target the state government.
High Political Stakes Ahead of 2026 Polls
With the state elections scheduled for early 2026, this latest controversy has reignited tensions between the ruling TMC and the BJP, both preparing for a fierce electoral contest. Political observers say the issue could evolve into a major flashpoint, testing the boundaries between administrative independence and political power.
As the Election Commission awaits the video footage, all eyes are on how the central poll body will respond to the Chief Minister’s remarks. For now, the incident underscores the increasingly confrontational tone of Bengal’s political landscape, where every move is closely watched, debated, and amplified.
