TNI Bureau: A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) raised allegations against Odisha-cadre IPS officers Battula Gangadhar and Parmar Smit Parshottamdas, who were appointed as police observers during the ongoing election process.

TMC has especially targeted Parmar Smit Parshottamdas, accusing him of failing to maintain neutrality while overseeing poll-related duties in South 24 Parganas. The party claimed that the officer had a private meeting with BJP candidate Gour Sundar Ghosh from Magrahat Paschim constituency without any official record or prior disclosure.

According to TMC leaders, the meeting allegedly took place at a tourist lodge in Diamond Harbour instead of the officer’s assigned official accommodation. The party argued that such conduct raises serious doubts over the fairness and transparency expected from Election Commission-appointed observers.

TMC has approached the Calcutta High Court, claiming that CCTV footage of the alleged meeting supports its charge. The party described the incident as a serious violation of election rules and said it reflects growing concerns over the impartiality of officials during elections.

The BJP has strongly denied the accusations, stating that the interaction was official and related to complaints regarding campaign obstruction by TMC workers. Sources linked to the Election Commission also said that no rules were violated.

The issue has now become a major political flashpoint, with TMC accusing the BJP of influencing independent institutions, while the BJP has called the allegations politically motivated.