EC Rejects TMC's Larger Delegation Request, Abhishek Banerjee Demands Livestream for Transparency

In a move that has certainly ratcheted up political tensions ahead of the ongoing general elections, the Election Commission (EC) has reportedly put its foot down, rejecting the Trinamool Congress's plea for a larger, 10-member delegation to meet with them. The TMC had hoped to bring a substantial team to discuss what they describe as 'partisan actions' by central agencies like the CBI, ED, NIA, and I-T department.

Instead, the EC, standing firm on what it called 'long-standing practice and convention,' decided to limit the delegation to just three members. You can imagine the reaction from the Trinamool Congress. This isn't just about numbers; it's about the perceived ability to effectively convey their grievances, which are quite serious, involving allegations of central agencies targeting opposition leaders selectively, especially during election season.

Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC's influential general secretary, wasted no time in expressing his deep disappointment. He labelled the EC's decision as 'unfortunate' and even went so far as to call it 'a sad day for democracy.' And frankly, one can understand his frustration. His primary demand? That the entire meeting, whenever it happens, be either livestreamed for all to see or, at the very least, recorded and then made public. He passionately argued that if the Election Commission has nothing to hide, then why would they object to such a measure?

It's a fair question, isn't it? Transparency, absolute transparency, is what he's pushing for, believing it's the only way to truly ensure the integrity and impartiality of the electoral process. Banerjee made it quite clear that this isn't just a political stunt; it's about safeguarding democratic principles, especially when concerns are being raised about central agencies seemingly acting with political motives.

This isn't the first time the EC has faced scrutiny recently. Earlier, the commission had made headlines by transferring district magistrates and superintendents of police in several districts, a decision that also drew a fair share of criticism from various political quarters. It all adds up to a charged atmosphere, with the TMC clearly wanting a full and open discussion on issues they believe are undermining free and fair elections.