BJP complains to EC about TMC candidate 'distributing cash'
Ahead of the first phase of polls in West Bengal, the Bhartiya Janta Party on Friday drew the attention of the Election Commission to a video in which a Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate is seen allegedly distributing cash amongst the voters. The BJP also made complaints about TMC workers unleashing terror in poll-bound districts in collusion with a section of the state police.
BJP attached links to the video in the letter
In a letter to the poll panel, the saffron party attached links to the video, released on Friday, which showed an ex-minister and a TMC candidate from Purulia purportedly distributing cash among the voters.
TMC denied the charges, attacked the saffron party
"It is a blatant violation of the model code of conduct that says all parties and candidates shall avoid scrupulously all activities which are corrupt practices and offenses under the election law," the letter said. TMC denied the charge, alleging that the video was doctored, and said it was the saffron party leaders bringing in outsiders with bagfuls of cash to bribe the electorate.
BJP urged suspension of four police officials
The saffron party has also urged the EC to suspend four police officers. "They should be suspended forthwith for not executing their official work with due diligence, and helping the Trinamool Congress and its members in carrying out malpractice, irregularities," the letter which was signed by senior state BJP leaders said.
BJP wants EC to take immediate action targeted political killings
Meanwhile, in another complaint to the Election Commission, the BJP demanded immediate and necessary action against the continuous targeted political killings of its workers to create fear psychosis and get electoral gains. On Wednesday, a local BJP leader was found dead in West Bengal's Cooch Behar District after which violence erupted in the area, according to The Hindu.
Phase one of the Assembly polls kicked off today
In Bengal, the polling is underway for 30 Assembly seats; the state will see a record eight-phase election this time. The West Bengal elections will be held in eight phases in 288 constituencies - March 27, April 1, April 6, April 10, April 17, April 22, April 26, and April 29 Separately, voters in 47 seats of Assam are also voting today.
