KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL — Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad launched a sharp political attack while reacting to the arrest of I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel and the ongoing electoral developments in West Bengal, raising serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party and expressing confidence in a sweeping victory for his party.
Speaking in Kolkata, Azad alleged that the arrest of Vinesh Chandel is politically motivated and linked to fears within the BJP that certain entities could expose past actions and strategies associated with the 2014 political landscape. He claimed that such actions reflect a broader pattern of targeting individuals perceived to be connected with opposition parties.
Azad further stated that there is a growing perception among sections of the public that investigative actions are being selectively used against those who are seen as critical of the ruling establishment, adding that such developments are being closely watched across the country. His remarks underscore the intensifying political tensions as elections approach.
Taking a historical analogy, he accused the BJP and its ideological affiliates of following methods similar to colonial-era practices. He alleged that actions such as arrests and allegations are being used as tools to suppress dissent, drawing a parallel with past governance systems that relied on control and intimidation. These strong remarks reflect the sharp rhetoric that has come to define the political contest in West Bengal.
On the upcoming Assembly elections, Azad expressed strong confidence in the prospects of the Trinamool Congress. He claimed that the party is on track to secure more than 250 seats, while predicting that the BJP would struggle to cross even 50 seats, suggesting a decisive mandate in favour of the ruling party.
He also spoke about public sentiment, stating that there is visible anger among the people, with many believing that certain political forces are creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. According to him, this sentiment is likely to translate into electoral support for the Trinamool Congress.
In a controversial remark, Azad questioned the neutrality of the election process, alleging that the functioning of the Election Commission appears to be influenced, a claim that adds to the ongoing political debate over institutional independence during elections. Such statements highlight the deep divisions and lack of trust between rival political camps.
The comments come at a time when West Bengal is witnessing an intense political battle, with both the ruling party and the opposition making strong claims about public support and governance performance. The state remains one of the most closely watched political arenas in the country.
Azad’s remarks reflect the escalating war of words ahead of the elections, where issues of governance, institutional credibility, and political strategy are dominating the discourse, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral contest in West Bengal.
