The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refuted Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) claims of delay in addressing complaints concerning the West Bengal by-polls. The Commission emphasised that swift action was taken within 20 hours of receiving the TMC’s grievances.
The ECI highlighted that, on its directives, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal organised a meeting of the State Level Force Deployment Committee within 20 hours of receiving TMC’s representation on 10th November. Additionally, the Commission instructed that state police personnel must always be included in teams led by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
The poll body also issued a notice to Sukanta Majumdar, BJP state president, seeking his explanation by 8 PM today for alleged derogatory remarks about the national emblem and the West Bengal police. The TMC accused the CAPF personnel of intimidating voters and influencing them in favour of the BJP by entering private residences without state police oversight.
The party also criticised BJP’s Sukanta Majumdar for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the state police and mocking the national emblem by suggesting it be replaced with symbols resembling footwear. Majumdar was quoted in the letter as remarking, “Don’t act as an agent of Trinamool. Remove the Ashoka Stambh on your uniform and replace it with the symbol of a sandal. Don’t hide behind the uniform.”
Furthermore, the Election Commission has invited a delegation from TMC for a meeting this afternoon.
The TMC had approached the Commission, expressing concerns over the alleged misuse of central forces in the state. A delegation led by Sudip Bandopadhyay, TMC Parliamentary Party Leader in the Lok Sabha, along with Rajya Sabha Parliamentary Party Leader Derek O’Brien and MPs Kirti Azad, Saket Gokhale, and Sushmita Dev, visited the poll panel on Saturday, submitting two memoranda related to the by-poll campaign.