Omar Abdullah Confident of Trinamool Congress Victory Amid Election Commission Controversy

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has voiced strong confidence in the Trinamool Congress's success in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, despite what he describes as gerrymandering efforts by the Election Commission. Abdullah criticized the large-scale transfers of officials ordered by the Commission, suggesting such actions are typical in states not governed by the BJP. He firmly believes that political leaders, not bureaucrats, determine election outcomes. The elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with results to be counted on May 4.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 11:56 IST

Abdullah's Assurance on West Bengal Elections

Srinagar: Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed his belief on Friday that the Election Commission's attempts at gerrymandering will not affect the outcome of the West Bengal Assembly elections. He is confident that the Trinamool Congress will secure a significant victory.

In a post on his personal X account, Abdullah stated, "No amount of effort by the Election Commission to gerrymander will change the results. Come counting day, Mamata Didi will win a thumping majority."

He also commented on the extensive transfers initiated by the Election Commission in the state preparing for elections, suggesting that such actions are typically seen in regions where the BJP does not hold power.

Abdullah remarked, "These sweeping transfers only happen in non-BJP-ruled states, especially in West Bengal, but that’s no surprise. However, West Bengal will once again prove what I have always believed to be true – officers don’t win elections for political parties; the leaders of political parties do."

Following the announcement of the Assembly election schedule, the Election Commission has executed several changes among senior officials, including the transfer of Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty, Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena, and the removal of Director General of Police (DGP) Peeyush Pandey along with Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar.

The polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections is set to take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the vote counting scheduled for May 4.