ECI issues show-cause notice to Majumdar : Rejects Derek O’Brien’s allegation of inaction on TMC complaints

 Ahead of the upcoming Assembly bye-elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued a show-cause notice to Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar over his alleged derogatory remarks against state police.

SNS | New Delhi | November 11, 2024 : Ahead of the upcoming Assembly bye-elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued a show-cause notice to Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar over his alleged derogatory remarks against state police. Its action came days after it received a complaint from the Trinamul Congress (TMC) against Majumdar.

The TMC alleged that he had insulted the “state emblem of India and the state police by stating that police personnel should replace the emblem on their uniforms with icons resembling footwear” during an election rally in poll-bound Taldangra Assembly constituency.

In its notice to the West Bengal BJP chief, the ECI said it received a complaint dated 9th November, from the TMC, inter alia, alleging that during a public meeting held on 07th November in Taldangra, he made remarks allegedly insulting the “National emblem of India and the state police”.

The poll panel has sought a response from Majumdar by 8 pm on Monday. “In view of the allegations made in the complaint, you are directed to submit your reply to the Commission by 8 pm on 11th November,” the ECI said.

The poll panel also said in the event of no response from his side within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that he has nothing to say in the matter and it will take appropriate action or decision in the matter without making any further reference to him.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday rejected Trinamul Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien’s allegation of inaction and delayed response to two complaints submitted to it ahead of the by-elections to six Assembly seats in West Bengal. In its letter issued to the TMC leader, the ECI acknowledged that his (Obrien’s) request seeking an appointment for the TMC delegation to discuss issues related to the upcoming bye-elections in West Bengal was received on 8 November at 5.17 pm through an email. However, he made no mention of issues required to be discussed.

The poll panel said a reminder of this request was received through email on 9th November at 9.57 am. This too neither specified any issue nor enclosed any representation.

The ECI said while it was awaiting the representation to know the subject matter of the meeting, the delegation of the party visited its office on 9th November and handed over two representations at 2.57 pm. Responding to the complaint, the poll panel said it gave the TMC time for a personal hearing on 11th November at 3.30 p.m. via email dated 10th November at 3.20 pm.

Acting promptly on both complaints, the ECI said it directed the West Bengal CEO to first address the urgent issue regarding the deployment of the Central forces.

“The CEO convened the meeting of the State Level Force Deployment Committee, along with the State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) and the State CAPF Coordinator, on Sunday at 11 am itself, i.e within 20 hours of receipt of your representation at the Commission’s office in New Delhi. It was decided that each QRT, including those led by Company Commander of CAPF, will include an ASI/SI level State Police personnel,” it said.