Election Commission Rebuts Trinamool's Delay Allegations with Swift Action Record

The Election Commission has refuted claims by the Trinamool Congress regarding delayed responses to complaints of Model Code of Conduct violations. They highlighted quick actions taken concerning CAPF involvement and issued a notice to BJP's Sukanta Majumdar. The bypolls in West Bengal are set for November 13.

The Election Commission firmly dismissed Trinamool Congress' accusations of delayed response to its complaints about alleged Model Code of Conduct breaches. The Commission highlighted its prompt action concerning complaints, which included CAPF personnel's alleged intimidation of voters and BJP's West Bengal chief Sukanta Majumdar's purported disrespect towards the State emblem and police force.

In correspondence with Derek O'Brien, the Commission noted Trinamool's initial request for an appointment, received on November 8 via email, lacked any specific issues to be discussed. A subsequent email reminder on November 9 similarly failed to specify discussion points. A physical delegation from AITC submitted two representations later that day, prompting the Commission to schedule a hearing for November 11.

The Commission emphasized that the West Bengal CEO convened a meeting shortly after the representations, agreeing that each QRT with CAPF commanders would include state police personnel. The Election Commission decried remarks of delay as unfounded, asserting its actions were completed promptly, with Sukanta Majumdar issuing a notice for his comments.

(With inputs from agencies.)