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Rahul Gandhi's ‘thieves market’ jibe after Suvendu Adhikari appoints Bengal EC official as chief secretary
Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the BJP government in West Bengal over the appointment of Manoj Kumar Agarwal as chief secretary, alleging a nexus between the BJP and the Election Commission. The Trinamool Congress condemned the move, while Sagarika Ghose criticized the decision as rewarding a neutral umpire.
Why It Matters
The remarks highlight ongoing partisan tensions over electoral neutrality and post-election administrative appointments in West Bengal, amid a BJP landslide victory and opposition criticism.
Timeline
4 Events
Sagarika Ghose criticises appointment as reward to neutral umpire
May 12, 2026
TMC MP Sagarika Ghose accused the BJP government of rewarding a supposedly ‘neutral umpire’ after its sweeping victory, posting on X: ‘Does anyone still SERIOUSLY believe #BengalElections2026 were free and fair? Outrageous and brazen.’
Rahul Gandhi attacks BJP-EC ‘thieves market’ jibe
May 12, 2026
Rahul Gandhi posted on X a scathing remark on the alleged nexus between the BJP and the Election Commission, writing: 'In BJP-EC’s ‘Thieves’ Market’ — the bigger the theft, the bigger the reward.'
Manoj Kumar Agarwal appointed Chief Secretary of West Bengal
May 2026
Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who supervised the 2026 assembly elections as chief electoral officer, was appointed as the state's new chief secretary within days of the BJP taking power.
West Bengal assembly elections 2026 results
2026
The 2026 West Bengal assembly elections concluded with the BJP winning 207 of 294 seats, reducing the Trinamool Congress to 80 seats and ending its rule in the state.