New Delhi

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday criticised the Election Commission of India after it posted a message on social media addressing the Trinamool Congress, saying the poll body no longer needed to be described as acting under the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The EC, in a post on X, had issued a strong message to the TMC, stating that the upcoming elections in West Bengal would be conducted in a “fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free, inducement-free” manner, and without practices such as booth capturing or jamming.

Responding to the post, Kejriwal alleged that the EC’s stance made it evident that it was acting on instructions from the BJP. Calling the situation “extremely unfortunate,” he said there was no longer any need to suggest such influence, as it appeared to be visible.

He also urged the poll body to exercise restraint in its public communication, saying that such language could harm the credibility of an important constitutional institution.

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The remarks come amid tensions between the EC and the TMC. Earlier, a meeting between a TMC delegation and the full bench of the Commission ended on a bitter note, with the party claiming it was told to “get lost” after a brief interaction, while the EC accused the delegation of raising their voices during the discussion.