In a fiery escalation of political tensions, Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led central government, accusing it of manipulating democratic institutions to suppress opposition voices. His statement—“BJP is the EC, BJP is the ED”—has sent shockwaves through the political corridors, intensifying the ongoing ‘vote chori’ (vote theft) controversy that has gripped national discourse ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport after returning from Delhi, Banerjee alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has effectively co-opted the Election Commission (EC) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), turning them into instruments of political vendetta. His remarks come amid widespread protests by the INDIA bloc over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which opposition leaders claim is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise voters.
🔥 Key Allegations by Abhishek Banerjee
| Allegation Area | Specific Claims Made by Banerjee |
|---|---|
| Election Commission (EC) | Acting as a BJP mouthpiece; failing to act on opposition complaints; enabling voter fraud |
| Enforcement Directorate (ED) | Leaking confidential documents to BJP leaders; targeting opposition without evidence |
| Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) | Probing opposition leaders for years without filing case diaries or proving charges |
| BJP Leadership | Colluding with EC and ED; falsely accusing TMC of bogus voters; exploiting SIR for political gain |
Banerjee’s comments were triggered by Union Minister Anurag Thakur’s claims that the Diamond Harbour constituency—Banerjee’s own seat—had thousands of bogus voters. In response, Banerjee said he had submitted proof verifying the legitimacy of voters, barring a handful who had either passed away or relocated. “There has been no word from him on the issue afterwards,” he added.
🗳️ The ‘Vote Chori’ Controversy: What’s at Stake
The term ‘vote chori’ has become a rallying cry for opposition parties, who allege that the BJP is using the SIR exercise in Bihar to tamper with electoral rolls. The INDIA bloc, comprising parties like Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party, and RJD, has accused the EC of selectively targeting opposition strongholds while ignoring irregularities in BJP-dominated regions.
| Region Affected | Alleged Manipulation | Opposition Response |
|---|---|---|
| Bihar | SIR exercise targeting minority voters | INDIA bloc protests, demand nationwide revision |
| West Bengal | Claims of bogus voters in Diamond Harbour | TMC submits voter verification documents |
| Delhi | Alleged misuse of ED and CBI against AAP leaders | Legal challenges and media briefings |
Banerjee questioned why BJP leaders were speaking on behalf of the EC, asking, “Why are BJP leaders like Anurag Thakur supporting the SIR exercise as if they are EC spokespersons?” He further challenged the EC’s neutrality, stating, “If the EC is truly sceptical of the voter list, then the Prime Minister and his cabinet should resign, since they were elected based on that same list.”
🕵️♂️ Central Agencies Under Fire
Banerjee’s accusations extend beyond the EC. He revealed that after submitting documents to the ED as part of an investigation, he was shocked to hear BJP leaders quoting specific details from those confidential files. “How are BJP leaders gaining access to documents submitted to supposedly independent agencies?” he asked.
He also cited the case of former Delhi Minister Satyendra Jain, who has been in jail for three years without the CBI proving any charges. “Does that make him right and the CBI wrong?” Banerjee asked, highlighting what he called a pattern of harassment without evidence.
| Agency | Alleged Misuse | Example Cited |
|---|---|---|
| ED | Leaking confidential documents | Banerjee’s own probe documents referenced by BJP |
| CBI | Prolonged investigations without proof | Satyendra Jain case |
| EC | Biased electoral roll revisions | Bihar SIR controversy |
🧭 Political Implications Ahead of 2026 Elections
With less than a year to go before the next Lok Sabha elections, Banerjee’s remarks are likely to galvanize opposition forces and deepen the divide between regional parties and the Centre. The INDIA bloc has already hinted at initiating impeachment proceedings against the Chief Election Commissioner, citing erosion of institutional autonomy.
Political analysts suggest that Banerjee’s aggressive posture is part of a broader strategy to position TMC as a national voice against authoritarianism. His rhetoric aligns with similar concerns raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was asked by the EC to submit an affidavit regarding his voter fraud allegations—while BJP leaders were not subjected to the same scrutiny.
| Political Strategy | TMC’s Position | INDIA Bloc’s Alignment |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Accountability | Demand for EC and ED reforms | Support for impeachment motion |
| Voter Rights | Opposition to SIR in selective states | Call for nationwide revision |
| Transparency | Allegations of document leaks | Demand for independent oversight |
🗣️ Public Reaction and Media Discourse
Banerjee’s statement has sparked intense debate across media platforms. While BJP leaders have dismissed his remarks as “desperate theatrics,” opposition supporters view them as a courageous stand against institutional overreach.
Social media has been flooded with hashtags like #VoteChori, #BJPisEC, and #DemocracyUnderThreat, reflecting growing public concern over the integrity of India’s electoral process.
📌 What Comes Next?
The EC has yet to respond formally to Banerjee’s allegations. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc is expected to escalate its protests, demanding transparency in the SIR process and accountability from central agencies.
Banerjee has called for a nationwide revision of electoral rolls, arguing that selective targeting undermines the democratic fabric. “Let the SIR be conducted across India simultaneously. Why only Bihar?” he asked.
As the political temperature rises, all eyes are on how the Modi government and the EC will navigate these explosive charges in the run-up to the 2026 elections.
Disclaimer: This article is based on public statements and media reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not reflect any endorsement or political bias.
