A day after Mamata Banerjee refused to step down as Chief Minister of West Bengal, alleging that the election mandate was “stolen” in several seats, the Congress has extended support to its long-time rival and called for fresh polling in multiple constituencies.
Congress Calls It “Large-Scale Theft of Mandate”
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress leader Pawan Khera described the situation as a “large-scale theft of mandate” and accused authorities of manipulating voter lists.
“The INDIA alliance stands with Mamata Banerjee in this decisive moment of democratic crisis,” Khera said. “What we are witnessing is not just flawed elections but a captured democratic process.”
He claimed that nearly 100 constituencies in West Bengal require repolling, alleging that the number of deleted voters under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exceeded the victory margins in those seats.
Allegations Over Voter Roll Deletions
Khera cited figures suggesting that around 91 lakh voters were removed from electoral rolls during the SIR exercise, while lakhs of citizens were allegedly not given a chance to present their case.
“This is institutionalised electoral predation,” he said, adding that such practices point to a pattern seen in other states as well.
The Congress leader echoed earlier remarks by Rahul Gandhi, who had claimed that electoral manipulation played a role in recent outcomes and questioned the fairness of the process.
Support Despite Political Rivalry
The Congress support comes despite the party contesting the West Bengal elections separately from Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC). Khera said the broader concern was about protecting democracy rather than party politics.
“Her resolve reflects a wider national imperative — the defence of constitutional democracy,” he said.
Claims of Violence and Intimidation
Khera also alleged that tensions and violence have increased following the election results, accusing BJP supporters of targeting opposition workers and offices.
“There are reports of opposition offices being attacked, candidates assaulted, shops being forced to shut, and threats being issued,” he said.
However, the BJP has denied such allegations, maintaining that it respects democratic processes and law and order.
Debate Over Representation and Polarisation
Responding to criticism that Congress is relying heavily on Muslim votes, Khera defended the party’s record on representation.
“The BJP claims it does not need Muslim voters. When Muslims vote for secular parties, the BJP questions that too,” he said, asking whether such thinking aligns with the Constitution envisioned by B. R. Ambedkar.
He added that Congress represents all communities and accused the BJP of using divisive rhetoric.
