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The steps show TMC’s emphasis on electoral rolls, amid its allegation of a large number of fake voters ahead of 2026 elections
The TMC is in 2026 election mode. (PTI)
Abhishek Banerjee, national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), recently released a verification helpline number – 8142681426 — to prevent those misguiding in his or in the name of their political consultant IPAC. Is it a sign of change in the TMC?
Party insiders say leaders such as Kalyan Banerjee and a section of seniors had pointed out how people use the name of IPAC and claim various things, even seeking various reports. Certain complaints of extortion in the name of Abhishek Banerjee, too, have come to light. Abhishek Banerjee’s office had also filed a complaint with police alleging that the mayor’s assistant had been using his name to extort money. There was also another complaint in Newtown area where an extortion bid was executed in the name of Abhishek Banerjee.
This is why the verification number has been given to file complaints of money being sought in the name of Abhishek Banerjee or IPAC.
During a virtual meeting with district presidents and MLAs to give guidelines on how to carry out electoral roll verification in every district, Abhishek Banerjee said, “We have noticed many people are trying to misguide in the name of IPAC or my office. We filed police complaints against them. A phone number has been shared to report if anyone tries to dupe leaders posing as IPAC members.”
As public representatives, we are often reminded of the immense responsibilities we carry. But I don’t see this as a burden- I see it as an opportunity.An opportunity to serve with purpose, to create meaningful change and to leave a lasting impact. An opportunity to be… pic.twitter.com/lsKXKKc4Hq
— Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) March 12, 2025
MORE CHANGES SOON?
Sources told News18 that the party will also go for organisational changes in the coming days. In the meeting, Abhishek Banerjee further said, “Soon, district and block presidents will be changed, based on their performances.”
On July 21, in TMC’s Martyrs’ Day programme, Abhishek Banerjee had mentioned that there will be changes in the party on the basis of performance. Likewise, he had submitted his list to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee.
Sources inside the party said that now the changes will take place very soon.
Sources said that in the internal meeting, Abhishek Banerjee analysed the performance of almost every region and pointed out where the party performed badly and why.
“India’s democracy is under siege. The BJP, in collusion with the ECI, has hatched a conspiracy to disenfranchise Bengal’s electorate. Multiple voters, primarily from BJP-ruled states, have been assigned the same EPIC number in Bengal – a sinister plot to plant fake voters and manipulate the 2026 Assembly elections. Today, I convened a virtual meeting with our leaders. We have meticulously examined the irregularities and laid out a comprehensive plan to democratically counteract this fraud. We will not allow this electoral sabotage to succeed. Bengal will fight. Bengal will triumph,” said Abhishek Banerjee in a statement.
IPAC, 2026 ELECTION MODE
There has been a discussion on the role of IPAC among senior leaders. There were talks in political corridors that the equation between IPAC and TMC was not okay, but TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, in her meeting with leaders, clearly pointed out that no leader will make any comments on IPAC, as they are working with the TMC this election. This special helpline also proves that the party wants to be transparent on this ahead of the 2026 polls, say insiders.
Sources say that both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee have given clear instructions to party leaders that they have to be alert on voter roll and should now start working in election mode.
Abhishek Banerjee has instructed that in the next five days, zilla committees will be formed for voter roll inspection. From March 21-27, a block committee will be formed. Mamata Banerjee has already formed core committees for electoral rolls. The steps show TMC’s emphasis on electoral rolls, amid its allegation of a large number of fake voters ahead of 2026 elections.
