Jaipur, Rajasthan
Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has raised serious concerns regarding the ongoing West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, questioning the fairness of the electoral process and alleging large-scale irregularities.
Speaking in Jaipur, Gehlot urged caution in making predictions about the election outcome. “Wait for the 4th… It’s not easy to say anything before the elections,” he remarked, indicating that the political situation in West Bengal remains highly uncertain and complex.
Gehlot emphasized that elections are inherently unpredictable, especially in a politically charged environment like West Bengal. He stated that no clear forecast can be made at this stage, as multiple factors, including voter turnout and ground-level dynamics, will ultimately determine the results.
However, the Congress leader made strong allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of misusing money during the election process. He claimed that there is excessive use of financial power, which could influence the fairness of the elections, raising concerns about the level playing field for all parties involved.
“The BJP is misusing money a lot,” Gehlot said, adding that such practices undermine the integrity of the democratic process. He further alleged that the situation on the ground reflects a level of pressure and intimidation that he has not witnessed before.
In a striking statement, Gehlot claimed that a large number of voters have been affected. He alleged that around 90 lakh votes have been cut, suggesting that voter lists may have been altered in a way that could impact the outcome. This claim, if substantiated, could have significant implications for the electoral process.
The Congress leader also questioned the role of the Election Commission in the current scenario. He asked why the elections have not been postponed despite the concerns being raised, indicating that stronger intervention may be required to ensure fairness and transparency.
“Whoever wins, the elections should be fair,” Gehlot stressed, highlighting the importance of maintaining the credibility of the democratic system. He reiterated that free and fair elections are essential for upholding public trust and ensuring legitimate governance.
Gehlot also alleged that money is being distributed among voters, further intensifying his criticism of the election process. Such claims point to concerns about electoral malpractices and the influence of financial incentives on voter behavior, which remain sensitive issues in any democratic setup.
Outlining the Congress party’s position, Gehlot stated that the party is contesting elections on all seats in West Bengal. He emphasized that the Congress is fully engaged in the electoral battle and committed to presenting its agenda to the voters, despite the challenges being faced.
He also referred to the political history of the state, noting that West Bengal was governed by the CPI(M) for over three decades before the Trinamool Congress (TMC) came to power. This historical context, he suggested, highlights the evolving political landscape of the state and the significance of the current elections.
Observers note that Gehlot’s remarks reflect the heightened political tensions surrounding the West Bengal elections, which have drawn national attention. Allegations of irregularities, combined with intense campaigning, have made the electoral process a subject of widespread debate.
At the same time, such statements are likely to trigger strong responses from other political parties, further intensifying the political discourse. The role of institutions, the conduct of parties, and voter participation will all be closely watched as the elections progress.
Ashok Gehlot’s comments underline the importance of ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in the electoral process, as the outcome of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 continues to hold significant political importance.
