ec-denies-bias-in-awarding-kaliganj-bypoll-surveillance-contract

The Election Commission has firmly dismissed allegations raised by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding the awarding of a surveillance equipment contract for the Kaliganj by-election to a Gujarat-based firm.

 

The Commission clarified that the contract was granted following a transparent, rule-based open e-tender process.

 

On Wednesday, senior TMC leaders, including Mayor Firhad Hakim and Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, raised concerns in the state assembly over the selection of V Mukti Limited, an Ahmedabad-based company, for providing surveillance equipment for the by-election in Nadia district.

 

They questioned why a Gujarat-based organisation was selected despite the presence of several capable firms in Bengal, suggesting a “special motive” behind the decision.

 

Chandrima Bhattacharya went further, alleging that the organisation had been awarded not only the by-election contract but also a year-long engagement for election-related surveillance services. "It is clear that there is a deliberate motive behind giving such a contract to a Gujarat-based firm," she said.

 

However, on Thursday, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal addressed the issue, stating that the allegations were baseless. He explained that an open e-tender was conducted for the Kaliganj Assembly by-election, allowing firms from across the country to participate.

 

“Only one company from Bengal submitted a bid,” Agarwal said, adding, “However, that company failed to meet the required eligibility criteria and was disqualified in the initial stages. The Gujarat-based firm, V Mukti Limited, was selected solely on merit, having fulfilled all necessary conditions.”

 

According to sources within the Commission, the contract awarded to V Mukti Limited is worth approximately Rs 10–12 lakh. Officials also clarified that a fresh round of open e-tenders will be held ahead of the state assembly elections next year.

 

Defending the decision, the CEO further emphasised that the selected company had quoted a significantly lower cost than other bidders from various states. “The process followed every standard rule. The allegations of bias are unfounded,” Agarwal said.

 

With political tension building ahead of the by-election, the Commission’s clarification aims to put to rest the controversy surrounding the awarding of the surveillance contract, asserting its commitment to transparency and fair conduct in the electoral process.