New Delhi: Citing provisions of the Representation of the People Act and various steps it has taken to ensure voters’ safety in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the Election Commission on Wednesday ruled out any change in the schedule of the West Bengal assembly elections.
Responding to a letter by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O'Brien to the state chief electoral officer, the poll body told West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led party that its suggestion to club the last three of the eight phases is “not feasible”.
The TMC leader had urged the poll panel to club the remaining three phases of the elections in the state to a single date. O'Brien in his letter said that 52 days of campaigning were available to political parties and candidates.
The poll panel in its reply observed that despite an extra phase this time, the total duration of election period has been reduced to 66 days -- 11 days less than the 2016 assembly polls – and also pointed out that the number of polling booths have increased by 12 percent in the state as compared to that of in 2016.
The Election Commission while referring to concerns raised by the TMC over coronavirus cases said it has used its constitutional powers to prohibit the campaign period between 7 p.m. and 10 AM to discourage public gatherings, adding the silence period has also been extended to 72 hours from 48 hours before end of poll in each phase.
"In view of extension of silence period, there would in any case be no campaigning from 6.30 pm on April 26 (Date of poll of 7th phase) to April 29 (Date of poll of 8th phase),” the letter said, PTI reported.
The poll panel further said scheduling for an election is an activity planned much in advance taking complex interplay of variety of factors ranging from optimal utilisation of resources, manpower and training thereof, logistic involved in the mammoth exercise, voter’s convenience, festivals and assessment of the prevailing law and order situations.
The Election Commission while referring to provisions of the RP Act said the notifications of the elections schedule have been issued keeping certain statutory requirements in mind in which at least 14 days period has been prescribed for each phase of poll.
“Each phase of election is distinct and notified separately under section 30 of the RP Act, 1951. In view of this, your submission that 52 days of campaign period has already been availed is misleading and not in accordance with law,” the poll body said in its reply.
“In view of forgoing, suggestion to club the phases Phase VI, Phase VII, and Phase VIII is not feasible,” added the poll body.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission also replied to West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s letter demanding to hold the remaining phases after Ramzan is over and the present pandemic is diluted stating it is not acceptable as the term of the state assembly ends on May 30 and a new assembly has to be constituted before that.
“Any postponement of scheduled elections would affect adherence to Constitutional and statutory provisions related to timely conduct of elections,” the poll body said.
The Congress leader had written to the Election Commission on April 19 seeking deferment of the polls.
West Bengal is voting in eight phases this time. Voting for the sixth phase will take place tomorrow while the seventh and eighth phases will be held on April 26 and 29.The results will be declared on May 2.