A second notice in as many days has been issued to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by the Election Commission of India. The notice asked her to explain her comments on the central security forces, which had violated the model code of conduct.
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The first-three of the total eight phases of West Bengal’s assembly elections are now over and the electorate in 91 constituencies have already cast their votes. A total of 44 seats will go to polls on April 10 for the fourth phase.
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The Trinamool Congress supremo had allegedly asked people to “gherao” central security forces at an election rally. The forces have been deployed by the poll panel in the state to ensure free and fair elections, with serious allegations and complaints levelled against them including that of sexual assault. The fourth of the eight phases of polling in the state will be held on April 10.
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The CM has been asked by the Election Commission to send her reply by 11 am on April 10.
Speeches made by the West Bengal Chief Minister on March 28 and April 7 were cited by the Election Commission of India.
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The earlier notice was sent to Mamata regarding her comment over split in Muslim vote.
In this regard, it is also worthwhile to note that a complaint was submitted to the Election commission by Derek O’Brien regarding a sexual assault carried out on a minor girl by a CRPF jawan in Tarakeshwar, on which the ECI has still not responded to.
Vote counting for the West Bengal assembly election will be held along with those for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry on May 02.