Trump's remarks congratulating PM Modi for Bengal poll victory premature misplaced Raut

Mumbai, May 8 (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday termed US President Donald Trump’s congratulations to PM Narendra Modi over the West Bengal poll results "premature and misplaced", asserting that state elections are an internal matter of India’s democracy.
    In a post on X, where he tagged the US President, Raut urged the latter to adopt a "more informed and balanced view" about the elections, claiming serious concerns have emerged that the polls were held amid an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and systemic pressure.
    "As a Member of Parliament from India, I write in response to reports of your congratulations to PM Narendra Modi on the West Bengal Assembly election results. These are state-level elections — an internal matter of India's federal democracy. Any external endorsement appears premature and misplaced," Raut wrote.
    Earlier this week, the BJP scripted history by securing more than two-thirds majority in the West Bengal assembly polls, ending the 15-year rule of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The party also retained Assam for a third term.
    A White House spokesman on Tuesday said Trump congratulated Modi on his "historic and decisive" election victory.
    Raut further claimed serious concerns have emerged that the West Bengal polls were held amid an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and systemic pressure.
    He claimed that there are widespread perceptions that the Election Commission of India did not act impartially and that its functioning appeared to favour the BJP, raising questions about institutional neutrality.
    There are allegations regarding the extensive deployment of Central forces, which many believe created coercion rather than confidence. Senior leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, have publicly raised concerns about the fairness of the process, he said.
    The Rajya Sabha MP said that 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.
    "Were these concerns considered before your statement? Given your emphasis on democratic values, I urge a more informed and balanced view," he added.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)