Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a sharp offensive against the top leadership of the poll body during a press conference, demanding the immediate arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Stepping up her confrontation, she announced that a nationwide movement would be organized over this issue. She asserted that in every location across the country where voting was conducted under the leadership of Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner, fresh elections must be conducted.
Loss of Election Symbol and Electoral Mandates
During her media address, Mamata Banerjee alleged that her party's election symbol was taken away as a punitive measure simply because of her vocal opposition. Reflecting on past electoral outcomes, she maintained that the mandate secured in the 2024 elections belonged entirely to the public. She also emphasized that the electoral triumphs achieved in 2025-26 were likewise powered directly by the steadfast backing and faith of the ordinary people.
Allegations of Misuse of Police and Coercion
Accusing authorities of targeting political opponents, Mamata Banerjee claimed that local law enforcement agencies are being deployed as instruments against rivals, terming the situation an unprecedented electoral scandal. Addressing the prospect of state action, she remarked that if the government believes she should be detained, they should openly declare her arrest, reiterating that arresting the Chief Election Commissioner is vital. She further alleged that police personnel have been visiting households to pressurize residents into joining a specific political party, intimidating them with imprisonment if they fail to comply.
