Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday, 9 May declared that his party's struggle against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would continue, even as Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal. Banerjee issued the statement from Kolkata as Adhikari took oath on Saturday afternoon, signalling that TMC has no intention of conceding the political ground despite the election result.

Banerjee's Allegations of Electoral Irregularities

In a social media statement, Banerjee alleged that nearly 30 lakh genuine voters were disenfranchised from the electoral rolls during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections. He claimed that the process was marked by what he described as "deeply partisan conduct" by several government agencies as well as the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Banerjee further alleged irregularities in the counting process, including concerns over the handling and movement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and a mismatch of control units. He stated he had already demanded the release of CCTV footage from the counting centres and a transparent counting of VVPAT slips to address public doubts. "The truth can come before the people and every doubt can be addressed openly and honestly," his statement read.

Concerns Over Post-Poll Violence

Beyond the electoral process, Banerjee raised alarm over what he described as widespread post-poll violence. He alleged that TMC party offices had been attacked, workers intimidated, and supporters threatened. According to him, many dedicated Trinamool workers had allegedly faced targeted attacks and been forced to flee their homes.

"No political worker in a democracy should ever have to choose between their safety and their political beliefs," Banerjee said in his statement. The allegations of post-poll violence in West Bengal have been a recurring feature of state politics, with both major parties trading accusations after contested elections.

TMC's Commitment Under Mamata Banerjee

Banerjee concluded by reaffirming his party's commitment to democratic values and constitutional principles. He stated that under the guidance of Mamata Banerjee, the TMC would continue its fight "without fear and without compromise." He pledged to stand with every Trinamool worker who, in his words, fought against what the party believed was a compromised electoral machinery.

This comes amid a broader pattern of opposition parties questioning electoral outcomes in high-stakes state elections, with institutional credibility — particularly of the ECI — increasingly becoming a political flashpoint nationally.

What Comes Next

With Suvendu Adhikari now at the helm of West Bengal, the BJP will look to consolidate its position in a state that has long been a TMC stronghold. The opposition, meanwhile, is expected to mount legal and street-level challenges. How the new government responds to allegations of post-poll violence will be closely watched by both political observers and civil society in the weeks ahead.