‘What kind of order is this?’: Mamata slams ECI’s bike curbs in poll-bound Bengal, calls it ‘mischief’

Kolkata/IBNS: The Election Commission of India’s crackdown on bike usage in poll-bound constituencies of West Bengal has triggered sharp political reactions, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing shock and anger over the move.

IBNS • 21 Apr 2026, 08:00 pm

What’s the matter?

The ECI has banned bike rallies across all 152 constituencies going to polls in the first phase on April 23.

The restrictions came into effect from Tuesday as part of measures to ensure free and fair elections.

What are the orders?

No motorbike rallies will be allowed.
No bike riding from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, except in emergencies such as medical needs or family functions.
No pillion riding from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM, except for medical emergencies, family functions, or essential needs like dropping/picking up school children.
On polling day, family pillion riding will be allowed from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM for voting and essential purposes.

Mamata calls order ‘mischief’

Banerjee questioned the practicality of the restrictions, highlighting the dependence on bikes for daily commuting.

“How would people return home without bikes? A lot of people travel long distances back from work. What kind of a diktat is this?” she said at a rally.

Calling the move unjustified, she added, “This is not a diktat, this is mischief. All these people are mischievous and corrupt.”