New Delhi, Dec 30 (NationPress) The BJP has accused Trinamool Congress workers of engaging in 'open hooliganism' following an alleged attack on a vehicle belonging to an Election Commission of India (ECI) observer in Mograhat, located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

The incident took place as Special Roll Observer C. Murugan, tasked with overseeing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the South 24 Parganas and Kolkata South Lok Sabha constituencies, conducted a field inspection in Mograhat. During this visit, protests erupted, leading demonstrators to reportedly damage the handle lock of the observer’s vehicle. In light of this event, the ECI has requested a comprehensive report from Murugan.

In response, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stated to IANS, “Trinamool Congress leaders are openly issuing threats, claiming that hands and legs will be broken, as they strive to safeguard infiltrators. This clearly indicates a complete breakdown of law and order in West Bengal. Currently, only jihadis, terrorists, infiltrators, and criminals are secure in the state. The Election Commission must take this matter seriously, as these attacks appear to be orchestrated to protect Mamata Banerjee’s alleged vote bank of infiltrators and Rohingyas.”

BJP leader Narendra Kumar Kashyap remarked that this incident is indicative of a broader trend towards the erosion of democratic institutions in the state.

“Under Didi’s administration, democracy in West Bengal is being undermined, whether during panchayat elections, general elections, or essential processes like the SIR involving Election Commission officials. The current situation in Bengal is unlawful and incompatible with democratic principles. Mamata Banerjee must clearly articulate her stance on the Election Commission, which serves as an autonomous constitutional body,” he asserted.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal condemned the incident, labeling it as “open hooliganism by Mamata Banerjee’s goons”. He accused the Chief Minister of attempting to shield illegal migrants for political advantage.

“In a democracy, the right to vote is reserved for Indian citizens. Bangladeshi and Rohingya settlers are being treated as a dedicated vote bank, which explains why no actions are taken against them,” he added.

Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi claimed that government institutions in West Bengal have been “hijacked by anarchist and anti-national forces”.

“Action should be taken against those accountable, yet rather than doing so, the Mamata government is allegedly providing them protection,” he expressed.

BJP MP Yogender Chandoliya pointed out that opposition to electoral observers is unique to West Bengal.

“States like Uttar Pradesh or Assam face no such issues. The problems are confined to Mamata Banerjee’s governance. Regardless of whether they are observers or officials, they are being targeted. The court has also ruled that officials performing their duties must be afforded protection. Establishing a government based on votes from Rohingyas is detrimental to the country and must not be tolerated,” he noted.

Simultaneously, Congress Maharashtra Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil presented an alternative perspective, questioning the SIR process itself.

“The recurrent removal of names from voter lists and the presence of deceased voters as alive suggest that the SIR process is intentionally designed to benefit the BJP and diminish opposition votes. The public seems to have recognized this agenda. While violence is indefensible, it is also essential to question the police’s actions and the failures of the SIR process in fostering public trust. These concerns need addressing by the BJP, its allies, and the Election Commission,” he stated.