KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL — Former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani has strongly responded to allegations made by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), defending her party’s campaign activities and countering criticism on multiple fronts ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.
Addressing media in Kolkata’s Newtown area, Irani reacted to TMC filing a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing her of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). She said that it is the legitimate political right of any party to present its governance framework to voters, especially during an election campaign.
Irani questioned the basis of the complaint, asking how communicating policy intentions and administrative plans could be considered a violation of election rules. She further challenged the TMC, suggesting that if they are confident about winning, they should not feel threatened by BJP’s campaign outreach.
On allegations by TMC leaders that the BJP is “anti-Adivasi,” Irani strongly rejected the claim and cited the election of Droupadi Murmu as an example of the BJP’s commitment to tribal representation. She noted that Murmu became India’s first President from the Adivasi community, and said that the BJP had urged all political parties to support her candidacy.
Irani также alleged that the TMC opposed Murmu during the presidential election and did not accord her due respect during her visits to West Bengal, raising questions about the party’s stance on tribal leadership and dignity.
Responding to statements made by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, Irani launched a counterattack, accusing TMC of engaging in what she described as “political hooliganism”. She raised issues such as alleged threats to senior officials, incidents in Malda, and criticism directed at national leaders.
She questioned whether such actions reflect responsible political conduct, asking whether threatening institutions or disrespecting constitutional authorities aligns with democratic values.
Irani further accused TMC leaders of disrespecting key constitutional positions, including the President and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said that such behaviour should be scrutinised.
Her remarks come amid an intense political battle in West Bengal, with both BJP and TMC engaging in sharp exchanges over governance, representation, and election conduct.
Political observers note that issues related to the Model Code of Conduct, identity politics, and institutional respect have become central to campaign narratives, as parties seek to influence voter perception ahead of polling.
Smriti Irani’s statement reflects the BJP’s strategy of defending its campaign approach while countering opposition allegations, highlighting issues of governance, representation, and political conduct in the run-up to the elections.
