Is Suvendu Adhikari Right to Urge ECI to Investigate Arms Stockpiling in Bengal Ahead of 2026 Elections?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Suvendu Adhikari calls for ECI action on arms stockpiling.
- Concerns over fairness of 2026 assembly elections.
- Allegations of police complicity in illegal arms distribution.
- Historical promises from CM Mamata Banerjee remain unfulfilled.
- Viral evidence raises significant questions about electoral integrity.
Kolkata, Sep 25 (NationPress) The opposition leader in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has called on the Election Commission of India to promptly address alarming reports of arms stockpiling across various regions of West Bengal as the significant assembly elections approach next year.
Adhikari emphasized that the commission should utilize its own resources to investigate these pre-election arms stockpiling incidents, rather than relying on the state administration or police.
“The residents of Bengal deserve elections that are free, fair, and fearless, devoid of any terror imposed by the goons of CM Mamata. If the ECI depends on West Bengal's administration and police to ensure this, then God Save Democracy,” asserted the leader of the opposition.
He referenced a recent viral video showcasing a local strongman from the Trinamool Congress in Birbhum district, Dolon Sheikh, who has a history of criminal activities including sand smuggling, distributing cartridges openly, as reported by IANS on September 23.
“This represents a sinister scheme to arm thugs to frighten voters ahead of the elections. Illegal arms are being paraded right under the noses of a complacent police force? The Bolpur Police have witnessed this viral footage yet remain inactive. Why? Because Mamata’s police are colluding with TMC’s criminals,” Adhikari added.
He pointed out that when (Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee assumed power in 2011, she vowed to eliminate illegal arms from our state.
“But what do we observe today? A booming mafia involved in the illegal production and distribution of crude bombs, firearms, ammunition, and other explosives thriving under her support,” concluded the leader of the opposition.