Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Friday questioned US President Donald Trump over his congratulatory message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the West Bengal Assembly election results.
Raut said the West Bengal polls were an “internal matter of India’s federal democracy” and argued that any external endorsement appeared “premature and misplaced”.
In a letter addressed to the US President and shared on his X handle, Raut alleged that serious concerns had emerged regarding the conduct of the elections, including claims of fear, intimidation and institutional bias.
According to a White House spokesperson, Trump had congratulated Modi on what he described as a “historic and decisive” electoral victory after the BJP secured a landslide win in West Bengal, defeating the Trinamool Congress.
Raut, however, claimed there was a “widespread perception” that the Election Commission did not function impartially and that its conduct appeared to favour the BJP, raising questions over institutional neutrality.
He also expressed concern over the extensive deployment of central forces during the elections, alleging that it created “coercion rather than confidence” among voters.
“More importantly, serious concerns have emerged. Numerous complaints allege an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and systemic pressure. There are widespread perceptions that the Election Commission did not act impartially and that its functioning appeared to favour the BJP, raising questions about institutional neutrality,” Raut wrote.
Referring to statements made by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other Opposition leaders, Raut said several senior political figures had publicly questioned the fairness and credibility of the electoral process.
“Democracy is not just about elections — it is about ensuring they are free, fair and credible. When serious allegations arise, they warrant scrutiny, not celebration,” he said in the letter.
Raut further asked whether these concerns had been considered before Trump’s reported statement congratulating the BJP-led leadership.
Urging a “more informed and balanced view,” he appealed to the US President to take note of the allegations surrounding the election process before making public endorsements.
“Were these concerns considered before your statement? Given your emphasis on democratic values, I urge a more informed and balanced view. Thank you very much,” Raut said.
