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The Election Commission on Monday rejected Trinamool Congress' allegation of delay in responding to its complaints regarding violation of Model Code of Conduct and said it had acted "promptly' on the two representations received by it.
The Trinamool Congress had complained of "inaction" over its complaint about "CAPF personnel intimidating voters" and West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar "insulting the State emblem and police". In a letter to Derek O'Brien, the poll panel said it received request seeking appointment for AITC delegation to discuss issues relating to upcoming bye-elections in West Bengal on November 8 at 5.17 pm, by an email but it did not mention any issues that were required to be discussed. The poll panel said a reminder of this request was received through email on November 9 at 9.57 am and this also neither specified any issue nor enclosed any representation. "While the Commission was waiting to receive the representation or to know the subject matter of the meeting, a delegation of AITC came to the Commission office on November 9 and handed over two representations at 1457 hrs. Accordingly, the Commission gave AITC time for personal hearing on November 11 2024 at 3.30 pm, vide email," the poll panel said. "Acting promptly on both the representations dated 9th November 2024, the Commission directed the CEO to first address the urgent issue regarding force deployment," it added. The Election Commission said West Bengal CEO convened meeting of the State Level Force Deployment Committee along with State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) and the State CAPF Coordinator on Sunday, within 20 hours of receipt of representation at Election Commission's office in New Delhi and it was decided that each QRT including those led by Company Commander of CAPF, will include an ASI/SI-level state police personnel. "Directions have been issued by CEO accordingly to SPNO (ADG legal, West Bengal) and State CAPF Coordinator on 10th November itself, much before your letter," the poll panel said It said Sukanta Majumdar has been issued a notice to him for giving his reply. "It is surprising that even after the prompt action by the Commission...within 20 hours of receipt of AITC's representations, there has been unwarranted comments of delay. As such, this Commission rejects your allegations regarding inaction and delayed response as completely baseless, devoid of facts and misleading," the letter said. Bypolls for West Bengal's six assembly seats will take place on November 13 with results to be declared on November 23. (ANI)
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