ECI notice to judge-turned-BJP candidate for remarks against Mamata
The Election Commission of India on Friday issued a show-cause notice to Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Calcutta High Court judge, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, over his "improper, injudicious and undignified remarks" against Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. According to the poll panel, Gangopadhyay's comments, made at a public meeting in Haldia district, West Bengal prima facie violated the Model Code of Conduct provisions and its advisory dated March 1.
TMC files complaint against Gangopadhyay
The Trinamool Congress lodged a complaint with the ECI against Gangopadhyay, accusing him of making "misogynistic" comments. TMC quoted Gangopadhyay speech where he said, "Mamata Banerjee...how much are you being sold for? Your rate is 10 lakhs, why? Because you're getting your make up done by Keya Seth?...is she even a woman? I keep wondering sometimes." The party's letter to the ECI described his remarks as "vulgar and uncouth," saying they were "completely beyond the grounds of decency and morality."
BJP says video 'fake,' alleges TMC conspiracy
Responding to the TMC's assertion, the BJP claimed it was a "fake video." "We don't agree with the existence of any such videos. This is a ploy by the TMC to release fake videos and malign the BJP. But that won't make any difference in the elections," BJP Spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said. However, Trinamool Congress has demanded that the poll body initiate criminal proceedings against Gangopadhyay and ban him from attending public meetings or rallies.
ECI seeks response from Gangopadhyay by May 20
In its notice, the ECI has said that Gangopadhyay's comment were "improper, injudicious, beyond dignity in every sense of term, in bad taste" and prima facie violative of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct. The EC has sought a response from Gangopadhyay by 5:00pm on May 20. Notably, the BJP has fielded Gangopadhyay from Tamluk seat in West Bengal where voting will be held in the sixth phase on May 25.
Gangopadhyay joined BJP in March
To recall, in March, Gangopadhyay resigned as Calcutta HC judge and joined the BJP. Gangopadhyay has been a staunch critic of the TMCs government in Bengal. In April 2023, he triggered a controversy after he gave an interview to a TV channel. The then judge was hearing a case related to the "school jobs for cash scam," and spoke about the alleged role of a TMC leader. The Supreme Court had taken strong objection to the incident.
