TMC moves Calcutta HC alleging police observer met BJP candidate
What's the story
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has filed a writ petition in the Calcutta High Court against Police Observer Parmar Smit Parshottamdas. The party alleges that Parshottamdas held an unofficial meeting with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gour Ghosh during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections, ANI reported. The petition was filed by TMC leader Rajeev Kumar on behalf of the party and pertains to the 142-Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas.
Allegations detailed
TMC alleges breach of neutrality by Parshottamdas
The TMC's petition alleges that Parshottamdas, who replaced Hari Lal Chouhan as Police Observer for four constituencies in South 24 Parganas, violated his role's requirement of "strict neutrality and independence." The petition claims he stayed at Sagarika Tourist Lodge in Diamond Harbour on April 20, 2026, deviating from protocol. It also states CCTV footage of the alleged meeting has been annexed as evidence to support their claims.
Judicial scrutiny
TMC's petition highlights erosion of public confidence in electoral process
The TMC's petition contends that Parshottamdas's conduct violates established norms for election observers and undermines neutrality, transparency, and institutional integrity. It argues that such actions erode public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process. The party further asserts that Election Commission-appointed observers must function as independent monitors to ensure free and fair elections. The matter is likely to be taken up by the Calcutta High Court soon.