Calcutta High Court Admits Mamata Banerjee's Election Petition Against Adhikari

The Calcutta High Court admitted an election petition filed by Mamata Banerjee challenging the victory of current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency. Adhikari won the May 4 election by 15,105 votes, but Banerjee alleges he engaged in corrupt practices, including bribery and the manipulation of the counting process. The petition specifically claims Adhikari disrupted the 13th round of counting by forcibly removing opposition agents.

Justice Gaurang Kanth ordered the Election Commission of India to preserve Electronic Voting Machines, VVPAT units, and CCTV footage from the Sakhawat Memorial School counting center. During the proceedings, Justice Kanth disclosed that his elder brother serves as a national spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party. A representative for the petitioner stated their confidence in the judge's independence and the judiciary's ability to dispense justice regardless of external factors.

The court has directed the respondents to file affidavits within four weeks, with a hearing scheduled in twelve weeks. All voting machinery must remain in the custody of the district election officer to ensure the integrity of the evidence.