1 hour ago
Last Updated:November 25, 2025, 12:12 IST
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has accused the West Bengal Police of political misuse, urging the Election Commission to intervene immediately.
Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari | File Image
The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has written a detailed complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), alleging serious misuse of the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police for political purposes.
The letter, submitted on 25 November, raises concerns about what he describes as “institutional politicisation" ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
What are the allegations levied by Suvendu?
Central to Adhikari’s complaint is an event held on 22 November in Digha, organised by the West Bengal Police Welfare Committee. He claims the event, ostensibly intended for police welfare, functioned instead as a political rally for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
According to him, serving police officers allegedly shared the stage with TMC leaders and ministers, delivering speeches that praised the state government while criticising the Centre, an act Adhikari argues violates the neutrality expected of uniformed personnel.
The Opposition leader contends that the Welfare Committee, which lacks transparent operational guidelines, is being used to mobilise police personnel for political ends.
Adhikari’s letter further alleges that more than 1,000 police personnel and over 1,000 civic volunteers are actively participating in political activities under the banner of the Welfare Committee.
This includes attending political rallies, influencing public events, and being involved in various election-related irregularities. He also cites past incidents, claiming some committee members were previously implicated in malpractice during elections.
The complaint references two state government notifications issued in August 2020 which, he argues, fail to define the scope and functioning of the Welfare Committee clearly. This, he says, has created scope for “unchecked misuse" of the police apparatus.
Arguing that the police force “cannot be considered neutral" for the upcoming Assembly elections, Adhikari has pressed for sweeping corrective measures. He warns that without decisive intervention from the Election Commission, the fairness of the 2026 polls could be compromised.
Demands before the EC
In his letter, Adhikari urges the Election Commission to launch an immediate investigation into the alleged politicisation, take disciplinary action against the officers named, bar the state police from election duties in 2026, deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for all crucial stages of the polling process, and issue strict guidelines to prevent welfare bodies from being used for political activities.
Adhikari’s complaint adds a new flashpoint to West Bengal’s already charged political landscape, with the ruling TMC yet to formally respond.
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...
Read More
First Published:
November 25, 2025, 12:12 IST
News india West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari Alleges Political Misuse Of State Police In Letter To EC
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