A day after Trinamool Congress MLA Manirul Islam expressed regret over his remarks and reaffirmed his respect for the Election Commission, an FIR was filed against him in connection with violence at the Farakka BDO office and alleged obstruction of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The FIR, lodged on Saturday by the BJP’s Jangipur district unit, accused Manirul of storming the BDO office in Murshidabad, creating chaos, and attempting to disrupt the SIR process. The state administration had not filed a complaint against the MLA within the Election Commission’s prescribed deadline. Manirul had written to the administration on Friday clarifying his position.

In its complaint, the BJP alleged that despite being an elected representative, Manirul obstructed official work and tried to influence the electoral process, actions that, the party claimed, undermine free and fair elections.

In his letter to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) on Friday, Manirul said he holds the “highest respect” for the Election Commission, its officials, and India’s electoral system. He maintained that he has always followed the Constitution and the rule of law, though he admitted that his choice of words during the January 14 protest may have been inappropriate.

“My statements outside the Farakka BDO office were not intended to undermine the dignity of the Election Commission or influence voting,” he wrote. “If anyone interpreted it otherwise, it was unintentional. I am ready to cooperate with the administration and comply with all lawful directions.” He added that his comments reflected public concerns over the SIR, which he said is meant for public convenience and has been examined by the Supreme Court.

The January 14 incident saw tensions rise at the BDO office after Booth Level Officers protested against the SIR. Manirul reportedly arrived with supporters, demanding an immediate halt to the process. During the agitation, plastic chairs and office furniture were allegedly vandalised. Manirul had claimed the SIR was creating divisions between communities and alleged differential treatment during document verification, even stating dramatically that he was ready to “take a bullet to save the people of Farakka.”

Following the incident, Election Commission officials contacted the state DGP and sought action. While two people were arrested the same day on vandalism charges, Manirul’s name was initially excluded from the FIR. The Commission later directed that legal action, including registering an FIR against the MLA, be completed by Thursday evening, but the deadline passed without compliance.

Reacting to the FIR, Manirul said, “If I have to go to jail while fighting for the people, I am ready. The BJP and the Election Commission are no longer separate. The Commission is now working as a spokesperson for the BJP.”

The controversy has added a new dimension to the Centre–state administrative tussle. Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury questioned why the administration did not act suo motu despite the Commission’s directive. “Why did the police not act despite clear instructions? Why does a political party have to file an FIR? This reflects the worrying state of law and order in Bengal,” he said.

Bharatpur MLA and Janagan Unnayan Party chairman Humayun Kabir alleged that the state administration, the BJP, and the Election Commission were acting together against minorities. He also accused the Trinamool Congress of double standards on minority issues, warning that the party would face consequences in the next election.