Abhishek Banerjee claims he rigged Bengal polls moments after Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as CM: 'Democracy can only….'

Mamata Banerjee’s nephew and TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticized the Prime Minister Modi-led government at the Center and the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Insinuating that democratic institutions were compromised in the process, he said nearly 30 million genuine voters were allegedly disenfranchised.

He called the 2026 West Bengal parliamentary polls an extremely difficult election and said the election process was tainted by rigging. In a post on X on Saturday, the 38-year-old TMC general secretary said, “Democratic institutions that are supposed to function impartially seem to have been compromised, raising serious concerns about the fairness, credibility and transparency of the electoral process in West Bengal.

He added: “Democracy can only survive if electoral institutions inspire the confidence of citizens. Unfortunately, what we have witnessed has deeply shaken that confidence.”

He alleged that several worrisome incidents in the West Bengal Vidhan Sabha polls, including manipulation and movement of EVMs and misalignment of control units, among others, had created doubts about the credibility of the process and mandate among millions of people. Marking a major shift in the political landscape, the BJP secured a landslide victory in the 294-member House by winning 207 seats. Opening a new chapter in Bengal politics, the saffron party marched to power in the state for the first time, ending the TMC’s 15-year rule, which was reduced to just 80 seats.

“At the same time, reports of post-election violence, attacks on party offices, intimidation of our party workers and threats to supporters are deeply alarming and unacceptable in a democratic society. Many dedicated Trinamool workers and supporters who fought tirelessly on the ground have reportedly faced targeted attacks and been forced to flee their homes due to fear and insecurity.” he said.

Seeking access to CCTV footage from the counting centres, he made calls for the revival of democracy: “Upholding the democratic traditions of this great nation above all else, I and my colleagues in the Trinamool Congress will continue to stand firmly with the people of West Bengal and with every Trinamool worker who fought tooth and nail against what they saw as a compromised electoral machinery.”

Concluding the post, he wrote: “I urge all Trinamool supporters and workers to remain strong and united at this difficult time. If anyone has been subjected to violence, intimidation or threats after voting, I request them to contact me and share their details or send me a DM. I will do everything in my power to ensure their safety and security and exhaust all available legal and democratic means.”

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as Chief Minister of West Bengal

The post came minutes after Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the Chief Minister of West Bengal on Saturday, becoming the head of the first BJP government in the state. Governor RN Ravi was sworn in during a grand ceremony at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.