The Election Commission of India has directed the West Bengal government to file a First Information Report against Trinamool Congress MLA from Farakka, Monirul Islam, in connection with the vandalisation of the Block Development Officer’s office during a Special Intensive Revision hearing, sources familiar with the matter told News18.
According to these sources, the poll panel took serious note of Monirul Islam’s presence at the BDO office at the time the incident occurred. While no immediate administrative or legal action was taken against the legislator following the violence, the Election Commission has now sought formal criminal proceedings against him.
The move comes against the backdrop of escalating tension between the Trinamool Congress leader and the Election Commission, particularly after Islam addressed a public meeting a day earlier, during which he launched a scathing and abusive attack on the Chief Election Commissioner.
During his speech, the MLA allegedly used threatening language and accused the Election Commission of targeting West Bengal to “please the BJP.” In remarks that drew sharp condemnation, Islam reportedly said, “This flag will not work. It has to be broken with a stick… I will drag him out of the grave,” while demanding that the Chief Election Commissioner step down.
Sources said the Election Commission viewed these statements as serious and intimidating, warranting closer scrutiny and immediate action. The poll body is understood to have taken exception not only to the content of the remarks but also to the timing, coming soon after violence disrupted an official electoral process.
The vandalism incident occurred during a Special Intensive Revision hearing being conducted at the Block Development Officer’s office in Farakka. Officials and local witnesses stated that the hearing was underway when Monirul Islam arrived at the premises along with party workers and supporters.
According to eyewitness accounts, supporters of the Trinamool Congress MLA began raising slogans outside the building, creating a charged atmosphere. The situation escalated when the group allegedly forced their way into the BDO and Electoral Registration Officer offices, broke open doors and damaged government property.
As a result of the disruption and vandalism, the Special Intensive Revision hearing had to be halted midway. Those involved in the disturbance later claimed they were being harassed under the pretext of the revision process, a justification that officials have contested.
The incident unfolded openly and in the presence of an elected representative, a factor that has drawn sharp criticism over the lack of immediate police intervention. Despite the scale of the disruption and the damage caused to government offices, no action was initially taken against the MLA or his supporters.
The Election Commission’s directive to the state government is now seen as a significant escalation, signalling the poll panel’s intent to assert its authority and ensure accountability for interference in electoral processes.
With the Model Code of Conduct and election-related activities under close watch, the case has once again highlighted concerns over law enforcement neutrality and administrative response in politically sensitive situations in West Bengal.
Further action is expected once the state government responds to the Election Commission’s directive and initiates the FIR as sought by the poll panel.
