Bengal Panchayat Polls: Clash Erupts Between 2 TMC Groups In Canning Over Nomination Filing — WATCH

A clash erupted between two groups of the TMC over filing of nomination for West Bengal Panchayat elections in Canning.

A clash erupted between two groups of TMC outside the BDO office in Canning, in South 24 Paraganas district of West Bengal over nomination filing for upcoming panchayat elections in the state. The State Election Commission on June 8 announced that the rural polls would be held on July 8 and the last date for filing nominations is June 15.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday refused to extend the last date of filing nominations for the July 8 panchayat polls in West Bengal. The court left the matter to the discretion of the State Election Commission.

"The discretion to extend the date rests entirely with the SEC. The SEC is competent to deal with such issue and the court leaves it to the discretion of the commission," the Chief Justice said.

The court, however, ordered deployment of central forces in sensitive areas.

"In areas where Central forces are not deployed, it should be the responsibility of the State Police. SEC should ensure the safety of the polling agents. SEC should and shall consider to requisition of deployment of Central Paramilitary forces for sensitive areas," the HC said.

In its petition, the opposition Congress and Left sought extension of dates for filing nominations while alleging that ruling Trinamool Congress workers were not allowing their candidates to file nomination papers and were resorting to violence. The petition also sought quashing of the June 9 notification by the SEC.

 

"If we quash the notification, it will be like putting a question mark on the election itself. This court is not inclined to entertain this petition," the Chief Justice further said.

In a report, the State Election Commission (SEC) told the High Court that it could extend the last date of filing nominations by a day to June 16.

Several incidents of clashes were reported from different parts of West Bengal on Monday as opposition leaders claimed they were attacked while they were on their way to file nomination papers.

The skirmishes were reported in Daspur (Paschim Medinipur), Kakdwip (South 24 Parganas), Raninagar (Murshidabad), Saktinagar and Barshul (both in Purba Bardhaman) and Minakhan (North 24 Parganas).

The SEC has directed all district magistrates and superintendents of police to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CRPC around all nomination centres.