Bengal Bypolls: ECI Seeks Sukanta Majumdar's Response Over 'National Emblem Remarks', Rejects TMC's Delay Allegation

Bengal Bypolls: The ECI dismissed TMC complaints of delayed action in addressing grievances. The ECI also issued a notice to BJP's Sukanta Majumdar for alleged derogatory remarks about the national emblem and state police.

File photo of West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar

Source : PTI

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday refuted Trinamool Congress's (TMC) claims of delay in addressing complaints concerning the West Bengal bypolls. The Commission emphasised that swift action was taken within 20 hours of receiving the TMC's grievances. 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 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).

Furthermore, the Election Commission has invited a delegation from TMC for a meeting this afternoon.

This response came after 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 on police uniform with symbols resembling footwear. Majumdar was quoted in the letter as remarking to the police, "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."

Bengal Bypolls: TMC Expresses 'Dismay', Says ECI Gave Appointment To Hear Grievances Just Before Campaigning Ends

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.

In a letter addressed to the Election Commission on Monday, the TMC expressed disappointment over the scheduled meeting. "We are dismayed that we have been given an appointment at 3:30 PM on Monday, a mere 90 minutes before the campaigning period concludes at 5 PM and the beginning of the silent period," the letter stated. The party added that this timing negates the purpose of their concerns, leaving no room for substantive action.

"It appears that these delays serve to benefit the BJP, thereby compromising the fairness of the elections and eroding public confidence in the impartiality of democratic institutions," the TMC said, highlighting the detrimental impact of inaction.

In a social media post on X, Saket Gokhale alleged the delay in the ECI’s response, stating, "Our letters have been with the poll panel for three days, and yet the first response we have received is today - for a meeting just 90 mins before the issue becomes irrelevant." He accused the Election Commission of consciously allowing attempts by the Modi government and BJP to interfere with the electoral process.

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭:

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟑 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬.

👉 On 8th Nov, @AITCOfficial requested an urgent… pic.twitter.com/nfsiZxYe5g

— Saket Gokhale MP (@SaketGokhale) November 11, 2024

Responding to ECI's assertion on swift action, Gokhale wrote, "This is a LIE. The ECI has NOT “acted within 20 hours” like they’re claiming in the media. Complaint was submitted personally by 5-MP delegation led by our Floor Leaders in Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha on 9th Nov (Saturday). ECI didn’t even bother to meet or even respond. And now - when campaigning ends at 5pm today - they’re doing this drama of a “notice”. Shame that the Election Commission has openly become a wing of the BJP."

The bypolls for six assembly constituencies—Sitai (SC), Madarihat (ST), Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, and Taldangra—are scheduled for 13th November.