On May 1, 2026, Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed grave concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process in West Bengal, linking these issues to the influence exerted by the BJP and the Election Commission.
Raut articulated that there is a growing distrust in democracy, stating, “Distrust on democracy is dangerous; people are worried about their votes being tampered since Modi, Shah, and EC chief are in power.” His remarks come in light of Mamata Banerjee’s visit to an EVM strong room prior to the announcement of assembly election results, which has raised eyebrows among various political observers.
He further criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, suggesting that his alignment with BJP compromises the neutrality expected from such an office. Raut noted that Banerjee’s call for vigilance under the slogan “Jagate Raho” resonates with similar sentiments expressed by other political leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav.
Raut also highlighted a significant concern regarding the presence of large forces during elections in West Bengal, which he described as alarming. This situation reflects a broader sentiment among voters who fear potential vote tampering and manipulation.
As political activity intensifies ahead of assembly election results, observers remain cautious about how these allegations may affect public confidence in democratic processes. The ongoing scrutiny of electoral practices suggests that further developments may unfold as parties prepare for future contests.
