The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of making “communally charged, inciteful and divisive” remarks during an election rally in West Bengal.
In a letter to the poll body, TMC leader Derek O’Brien alleged that Sarma made inflammatory and defamatory comments against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while campaigning in Cooch Behar on April 16.
According to the complaint, Sarma reportedly suggested that Banerjee fears the formation of a BJP government in the state due to a possible ban on beef. He is also alleged to have linked beef consumption to certain communities and made claims about smuggling and the opening of beef shops in particular areas. The TMC described these remarks as “baseless, vexatious and motivated.”
The party argued that such statements exceed the bounds of political criticism and instead encourage religious polarization and communal discord. In its submission, the TMC said the remarks could foster suspicion and hostility toward a specific community and potentially disrupt the smooth conduct of elections.
The complaint also accused Sarma of criminal intimidation and making unverified allegations, claiming that his comments violate provisions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). It further referenced legal provisions related to promoting enmity between groups, hurting religious sentiments, and exerting undue influence during elections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Representation of the People Act.
Seeking swift action, the TMC urged the ECI to issue a show-cause notice to Sarma and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), initiate strict measures, and direct authorities to file an FIR. The party also called for preventive steps to ensure such remarks are not repeated during the ongoing campaign.
Responding to the allegations, Sarma said he was not concerned about the complaint. “Mamata didi has filed a complaint against me, but I am not scared,” he said.
West Bengal is scheduled to go to the polls in two phases on April 21 and April 29, with results set to be announced on May 4.
