The Assam Pradesh Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken legal action over alleged irregularities in the recent Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) elections. Party leaders have accused the Election Commission of unfairly classifying TMC candidates as independents, which they claim directly impacted their electoral prospects. The party has moved the court, seeking a review of the results and an investigation into the conduct of the elections.
TMC leaders have argued that their candidates followed all necessary procedures to contest under the party’s banner. However, election officials reportedly refused to recognize them as TMC representatives, leading to confusion among voters. The party claims this move was deliberate and aimed at weakening its presence in the council. Senior TMC members, including state president Ripun Bora, have accused the ruling government of influencing the election process. They have alleged that officials manipulated the system to benefit rival parties, denying TMC candidates a fair contest.
The party has also pointed out irregularities in the voting process. Some polling stations, they claim, witnessed incidents of voter intimidation and tampering with voter lists. Several complaints were filed with election authorities on polling day, but TMC leaders argue that no action was taken. In some areas, voters were reportedly unable to locate their names on the electoral rolls, while others alleged that their votes had already been cast before they arrived. These concerns have prompted the party to demand a recount in certain constituencies and an independent inquiry into the matter.
Legal experts representing TMC have prepared a detailed petition outlining the alleged violations. The party seeks the court’s intervention to nullify the results in disputed seats and conduct fresh elections under stricter oversight. TMC leaders argue that ensuring transparency in the RHAC elections is crucial, not just for their party but for the democratic process as a whole. They believe that if such discrepancies go unchallenged, they could set a dangerous precedent for future local body elections in Assam.
The ruling party has dismissed TMC’s allegations, calling them an attempt to cover up the party’s weak electoral performance. Government spokespersons have stated that the elections were conducted in a free and fair manner, with no major complaints received from other political parties. They argue that TMC’s challenge is politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary controversy. The administration has reaffirmed its trust in the Election Commission, insisting that the results reflect the will of the people.
Despite the ruling party’s rebuttal, TMC remains firm in its demand for justice. The party has mobilized its supporters, organizing protests and press conferences to highlight the alleged electoral misconduct. TMC leaders have reached out to national-level party officials, urging them to escalate the matter to the Election Commission of India. They have warned that if their demands are ignored, they will intensify their agitation, potentially leading to statewide demonstrations.
Political analysts believe this legal battle could have significant implications for Assam’s political landscape. If the court rules in TMC’s favor, it could lead to fresh elections in some RHAC constituencies and set a precedent for closer scrutiny of future polls. However, if the court dismisses the petition, it could weaken TMC’s influence in the state and challenge its credibility ahead of upcoming elections.
The Election Commission has not yet issued an official response to TMC’s court move. However, sources within the commission suggest that the matter will be reviewed before any further statements are made. The case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks, with both sides preparing to present their arguments.
Meanwhile, political tensions in Assam continue to rise. Supporters of both TMC and the ruling party have engaged in heated debates on social media, further polarizing public opinion. As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes remain on the judiciary, which will ultimately determine the validity of TMC’s claims and the future of RHAC’s electoral process.
