NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday expressed concern over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) response time to their complaints regarding upcoming bypolls in West Bengal. The party met with the ECI on Monday, just 90 minutes before the campaign period ended, after lodging complaints about alleged misconduct.
The TMC submitted two memoranda to the ECI on Saturday. These outlined concerns over the alleged intimidation of voters by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel and derogatory comments made by BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar about the state police and emblem.
In a letter to the ECI, the TMC stated: “This effectively negates the purpose of raising these concerns, as no substantive action can be taken during this critical window.”
“We write to express our deep disappointment and concern over the Election Commission of India’s handling of two serious complaints we submitted on 9th November 2024, regarding violations of electoral integrity,” they said.
“We reported that CAPF personnel, operating without the mandated presence of State Police, were allegedly entering private residences to intimidate voters and influence them in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),” the party charged.
The TMC also flagged comments made by BJP state president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar during an election rally in poll-bound Taldangra, accusing him of making derogatory statements against the state police and insulting the state emblem of India by suggesting it be replaced with “symbols resembling footwear”.
“These issues, which directly undermine the sanctity of the electoral process, required urgent intervention. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Commission has failed to take immediate corrective action or issue clear directives to BJP and its leaders, and CAPF to desist from such unlawful and defamatory conduct,” they said.
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