In a major controversy ahead of the Bengal Assembly elections, outgoing Trinamool Congress MLA Asit Mazumdar has stirred the pot with comments targeting both voters’ privacy and fellow party leader Rachana Banerjee. While campaigning for Chinsurah candidate Debangshu Bhattacharya, Mazumdar instructed polling agents to monitor voters at the booth, saying, “Just keep an eye on where the finger is going—upwards or downwards.”

A three-time MLA, Mazumdar was denied a ticket this time in favor of the young leader Debangshu. Expressing his resentment, he blamed MP Rachana Banerjee for his exclusion. He launched a scathing attack on her, calling her a “novice” who doesn’t understand political movements. He further predicted, “If Rachana remains involved, Debangshu will face a disastrous defeat. People in urban areas don’t like her.”

West Bengal goes to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. Mazumdar’s remarks regarding tracking EVM button presses have not only drawn the ire of the opposition but also exposed a deep-rooted rift within the TMC in Hooghly.