A distorted and obscene cartoon of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee circulated on social media amid the 2026 state assembly election has sparked intense controversy. The Election Commission of India is reviewing the matter after a complaint was filed, though no arrests have been made yet. The cartoon, shared from an account identified as belonging to a self-proclaimed nationalist from Uttar Pradesh, depicted a large female figure resembling Banerjee standing over India’s border in a vulgar manner.

The image suggested that Banerjee supports illegal immigration from Bangladesh, showing people crossing into India. The West Bengal Women’s Commission called the image offensive and degrading to women, alleging that it was intended to exploit gender bias for electoral gain. A case has been registered at the Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station, which is investigating the accused individual.

The Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of resorting to obscenity for political advantage, while BJP leaders continued to criticize the state government over infiltration issues. The Election Commission has sought a detailed report on whether any political party was involved, as digital ethics and women’s safety emerge as key concerns during the election period.