New Delhi: Opposition parties filed a complaint against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for arranging special trains to transport nearly 5,000 Bengali voters from Surat, Gujarat, to Kolkata ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections – the entire cost of which is being borne by the party.The party reportedly announced that it arranged four special trains for voters. Ahmedabad Mirror reported that the initiative was coordinated by the Surat BJP office and the ‘Surat Bengali Samaj’, to target the more than 2.5 lakh Bengali workers employed in Surat’s diamond, jewelry, textile and other industries. Per the daily, BJP leaders believe these voters will influence family members back in Bengal, that could potentially impact 10-12 lakh votes indirectly.According to Deccan Herald, there was chaos at Udhna railway station in Surat on Sunday (April 19) as thousands of migrant workers departed for West Bengal by a special train. Some passengers were chanting “Jai Shri Ram” and “Vande Mataram”, and waving the tricolour.Opposition parties have criticised the move, calling it a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.Jammu and Kashmir Congress leader Amit Mehra filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India saying it is “an apparent and serious violation of Section 123(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which defines certain acts as corrupt practices, by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the ongoing West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.”“If verified, such an arrangement may amount to the hiring or procuring of transport for the free conveyance of electors, which is prohibited under Section 123(5) of the RP Act, 1951,” he added in his complaint to the ECI, urging the poll body for immediate acknowledgment and action.Filed complaint with the Election Commission of India @ECISVEEP regarding alleged violation of Section 123(5) RP Act by BJP over reported special trains from Surat to West Bengal for transporting electors.@SpokespersonECI Requesting immediate acknowledgment and action.Evidence:… pic.twitter.com/BDqhDBDRRx— Amit Mehra (@Amit8Mehra) April 21, 2026Mehra also noted that similar concerns were raised during the Bihar assembly elections, 2025, where allegations were made regarding transportation arrangements for electors from other states. “The recurrence of such claims raises concerns about adherence to electoral laws and the integrity of the electoral process,” he said.Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien also filed a complaint against the BJP on Wednesday stating that organising the free special trains during the 48-hour silence period ahead of West Bengal assembly elections. In a letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, O’ Brien said that the BJP “arranged and facilitated special trains and provided free travel, food and other refreshments, for transporting migrant workers to West Bengal (who are registered voters of West Bengal),” in violation of the Model Code of Conduct and urged strict action.