Tensions in West Bengal have escalated as the 2026 Assembly elections approach, with Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari filing a formal complaint against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Tuesday. Adhikari accused the Chief Minister of delivering provocative speeches aimed at instigating the public against the Central Para-military Forces, which he claims is a direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Allegations of Incitement Speaking to reporters outside the CEO’s office, Suvendu Adhikari stated that he had submitted video footage of the Chief Minister’s recent rallies as evidence. “The Chief Minister is asking people to resist the central forces with kitchen utensils. This is not just a political statement; it is a direct incitement to violence against security personnel performing their duties,” Adhikari remarked. He further questioned why the Election Commission had not yet taken suo motu cognizance of these remarks and demanded a ban on her election campaigning.

Battle Over Security and Fair Polls The Trinamool Congress (TMC) quickly dismissed the allegations, asserting that the Chief Minister was merely advising citizens on how to deal with “intimidation” by the forces at the behest of the BJP. However, the BJP delegation insisted that such rhetoric undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Adhikari has requested the commission to ensure enhanced deployment of forces and to monitor all of the CM’s future speeches closely. This clash over the role of central forces has become a pivotal theme in the Bengal polls, reflecting the deep-seated mistrust between the state’s two dominant political forces.