Mamata Banerjee has been directed to reply within 48 hours of the issuance of notice by the EC.
The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday issued a notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by "openly demanding votes on communal grounds" for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Ms Banerjee has been directed to reply within 48 hours.
The EC issued the notice after a complaint was registered by a BJP delegation led by Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. According to the poll panel, the complaint is in reference to a section of speech that was delivered by Ms Banerjee in Tarakeshwar in Hooghly district on April 3, ahead of the third phase of elections.
"... I am requesting my minority brothers and sisters with folded hands... don't divide the minority votes after listening to the devil... who had taken money from the BJP... He passes many communal statements and initiates clashes between Hindus and Muslims... comrades of the CPM and BIP is roaming around with money given by BJP to divide the minority votes," according to the transcript of Mamata’s speech attached with the notice.
After issuance of the notice, TMC MP Mahua Moitra hit back at the EC for being 'partial' and tweeted, "Mamatadi issued notice by Election Commission on BJP's complaints. What about TMC complaints of 1. Video evidence of BJP candidate distributing cash 2. Cash coupons distributed to attend BJP mtng & vote... at least keep up the farce of impartiality." West Bengal will vote next on April 10 with four more phases left before completion of voting of Assembly Elections.
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