West Bengal: Trinamool Congress leader threatens voters ahead of Assembly Elections 2026

Kolkata: Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, a youth leader from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has made a controversial statement. During an election rally in Mograhat, South 24 Parganas district, Imran Hasan Molla openly threatened the public. He declared that if the Trinamool Congress were not voted into power, residents would not be allowed to continue living in the area.

This incident occurred on Monday, and a video clip of the event is rapidly going viral on social media. Prior to this, similar statements by TMC leaders had surfaced in the Baharampur region, further escalating tensions within the electoral atmosphere.

What did the TMC leader say?

Issuing a stern warning, Imran Hasan Molla stated, "If you do not vote for Trinamool, your backs will be beaten until they swell up like pillows." He further asserted that if a vote were cast for any party other than Trinamool, permission to reside in the locality would be revoked. Additionally, while referencing government welfare schemes such as 'Lakshmi Bhandar,' he issued a veiled threat, implying that if the TMC failed to secure votes, the administration would ensure that residents would no longer receive the benefits of these schemes.

What was reaction to TMC leader's statement?

Citing the 2021 elections, the Trinamool leader remarked that while those who acted disloyally were pardoned back then, no such forgiveness would be granted in 2026. He asserted, "If you wish to remain with Trinamool, stay in this locality; otherwise, pack up your families and leave the area." This statement raises serious questions regarding the sanctity of democracy and the spirit of free and fair voting in West Bengal. Although the Election Commission has pledged to conduct impartial and peaceful elections, such statements by leaders of the ruling party are fostering an atmosphere of fear among the general public.

Opposition parties have sharply condemned the incident. BJP leader Sajal Ghosh remarked sarcastically that such leaders are the "assets" of the TMC, adding that after the elections, they would be taught such a severe lesson that they would be unable to even stand upright. He warned that once the elections are over, these leaders would be forced to flee the locality on their own accord. Prior to this, other TMC leaders in Baharampur had also spoken of keeping voters under surveillance and tracking their votes. As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections draw closer, allegations of political violence and intimidation continue to mount.