BJP's Suvendu Adhikari Alleges TMC Issuing Fake Press Cards to Influence Voters

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, has alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is issuing fake press identification cards to its party workers. In a post on social media platform X on April 17, 2026, Adhikari claimed that these individuals are posing as journalists to gain unauthorized access to sensitive locations, including polling stations and administrative hubs. He accused the TMC, allegedly in collaboration with the Indian Political Action Committee, of using this strategy to influence voters and manipulate the election process under the guise of media immunity. Adhikari urged the Election Commission to conduct a thorough verification of all recently issued press credentials in the state to ensure only recognized journalists are permitted near polling booths. This accusation follows a day after the TMC accused the BJP of violating the model code of conduct through an alleged bribery scheme involving financial assistance promises to women. The TMC has not yet responded to these specific allegations regarding the fake press cards.