Is Abhishek Banerjee Right to Accuse ECI of Being a BJP Ally?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Banerjee claims ECI is biased towards BJP.
- Concerns over electoral rolls manipulation in Bihar.
- Calls for accountability in national security.
- Firm stance against engaging with Pakistan.
- Emphasis on the role of armed forces in safeguarding the nation.
Kolkata, July 28 (NationPress): Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Monday claimed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) functions as an extended arm of the BJP, assisting the party in securing victories in the upcoming elections across various states.
In reference to the recently completed special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, Banerjee expressed his discontent, stating it is regrettable that the commission operates as a branch of the BJP, giving the party an upper hand in elections.
“It is aiding the ruling party in the nation to misappropriate votes. The voting rights of many individuals are being compromised. Even counterfeit voter ID cards have been distributed. Under the guise of conducting SIR, citizens are facing harassment. We witnessed this during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections when central forces tragically shot four individuals in Cooch Behar district's Sitalkuchi,” Banerjee told reporters outside the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
When asked about the allegations concerning illegal Bangladeshi Muslims and Rohingyas residing in Bengal, Banerjee asserted that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Union Home Ministry and the BSF to prevent infiltration.
“Even if I concede that these individuals entered the country unlawfully, who is accountable for stopping their entry? Who oversees the international borders? If the security of our nation is at stake, the Union Home Minister, the BSF director general, and the IB director should resign,” he added.
Simultaneously, Banerjee made a social media post on Monday, criticizing the calls to separate politics from sports and dismissing the notion of maintaining sporting ties with Pakistan.
“INDIA MUST NOT ENGAGE WITH PAKISTAN in any capacity. The only engagement we should pursue with Pakistan is on the BATTLEFIELD, and the only prize worth WINNING is Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK),” Banerjee articulated.
He accused Pakistan of perpetuating terrorism for decades, resulting in immeasurable suffering for Indian families. “When a nation conducts a proxy war, there is no 'neutral ground.' THERE IS NO CRICKET PITCH WISE ENOUGH TO WASH AWAY THE BLOOD OF OUR MARTYRS,” he stated.
He further emphasized that while cricketers hold a respected status, the country’s freedom and security are owed to the armed forces. “Our TRICOLOUR flies high not because of a bat and ball, but due to the unparalleled courage and bravery of our armed forces. We honor our cricketers, but as a nation, we revere our soldiers.”
IANS
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