Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee has approached the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging a possible attempt by individuals linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the alleged assistance of certain police personnel, to attack his residence-cum-office and forcibly take documents connected to a pending party dispute.

The representation was submitted to the poll panel by Banerjee’s lawyer, Arka K Nag, who raised concerns about possible intimidation and interference with affidavits and other materials being prepared for submission before the Commission.

The development comes nearly a week after Banerjee claimed that unidentified individuals were keeping his Kolkata residence and office under surveillance. In his latest representation, the TMC leader has sought safeguards against any attempt to intimidate those involved in the proceedings or interfere with the preparation and preservation of evidence.

The allegations come amid an ongoing dispute over the TMC’s name and election symbol before the Election Commission. Banerjee’s lawyer has argued that any attack on the premises or attempt to take away documents could affect the party’s ability to participate effectively in the proceedings.

The claims about surveillance, possible attacks and the alleged involvement of BJP-linked individuals and police personnel have been made by Banerjee and his legal representative. They have not been independently established in the information provided.

TMC raises concerns over possible attack on premises

In the representation to the Election Commission, Arka K Nag warned that individuals associated with the BJP could allegedly attempt to enter or attack Banerjee’s premises with the intention of taking possession of documents and other materials prepared for the proceedings.

The lawyer alleged that such an attempt could take place with the support, assistance or connivance of certain police personnel. He described the possibility as a serious concern because the documents in question are connected to a matter pending before the poll panel.

The representation specifically referred to affidavits and other materials being prepared for submission to the Commission. It argued that any attempt to forcibly remove, damage or interfere with these documents could undermine the party’s ability to present its position.

The lawyer also expressed concern that people involved in preparing the evidence could face intimidation or coercion. According to the representation, the sequence of incidents and the proximity between them had created apprehensions about further attacks on the premises.

The submission sought to draw the Commission’s attention to the need to protect the process through which parties prepare and submit evidence in an ongoing dispute.

Lawyer says ECI proceedings must remain free from intimidation

Banerjee’s legal representative stressed that the adjudicatory process before the Election Commission must remain free from intimidation, coercion, unlawful interference and attempts to obstruct the submission of relevant evidence.

The representation said all parties involved in the dispute should have a fair opportunity to prepare, preserve and submit their documents and materials.

It argued that any interference with the process could directly affect the ability of the concerned party to participate effectively in the proceedings. The lawyer therefore highlighted the importance of ensuring that affidavits and other documents remain secure until they are submitted to the Commission.

The representation also linked the apprehension of a possible attack to the earlier surveillance claims made by Banerjee. It suggested that the sequence of events had raised concerns about whether further attempts could be made to interfere with the premises or materials connected to the dispute.

The approach to the ECI marks an escalation of the TMC leader’s concerns, taking the issue beyond his public allegations about surveillance and placing it before the constitutional body handling the party dispute.

Abhishek Banerjee’s November 6 surveillance allegation

On November 6, Banerjee claimed in a post on X that unidentified individuals had been conducting surveillance of his residence and office in Kolkata.

He alleged that the individuals were claiming to be police personnel when confronted. The TMC leader also said he had details of the registration number of the motorcycle allegedly used by them.

“When confronted, they claimed to be police personnel,” Banerjee said in his post.

He demanded an immediate investigation into the matter and questioned the presence and activities of the unidentified individuals near his premises.

The earlier claim had raised concerns within the TMC, with Banerjee alleging that his residence-cum-office was being watched. His latest representation to the Election Commission has now added the possibility of an attempt to seize documents connected to the pending proceedings.

However, the information provided does not establish whether the individuals were police personnel or whether any attempted attack or document seizure has taken place.

TMC name and symbol dispute remains at the centre

The latest representation is closely connected to the ongoing dispute concerning the TMC’s name and election symbol before the Election Commission.

The proceedings have made the preparation and submission of affidavits and supporting documents important for the parties involved. Banerjee’s lawyer has argued that any attempt to interfere with these materials could affect the fairness of the process.

The TMC has therefore urged the Commission to take note of the alleged threats and the apprehension of further interference. The representation emphasises that parties must be able to participate in adjudicatory proceedings without fear of intimidation or obstruction.

The Election Commission’s role in the dispute makes the security and integrity of the evidence relevant to the proceedings. The lawyer’s submission has sought to underline that the process must allow all sides to present their material freely and without external pressure.

Political tensions intensify over surveillance claims

The allegations have added another layer to the political tensions between the TMC and the BJP in West Bengal. Banerjee’s claims involve alleged surveillance, possible intimidation and an apprehended attempt to take documents related to a pending dispute.

By approaching the Election Commission, the TMC MP has sought to place these concerns formally before the body dealing with the case. The representation argues that the incidents should be viewed in the context of the ongoing proceedings and the need to protect relevant documents.

The claims will remain allegations unless independently verified through an investigation or other evidence. The immediate focus is on whether the Commission takes note of the representation and considers any safeguards necessary to protect the integrity of the proceedings.

For now, the dispute over the TMC’s name and symbol continues alongside Banerjee’s allegations of surveillance and possible interference with case documents.