ECI Must Ensure Bengal Assembly Elections Occur Under President's Rule: Suvendu Adhikari
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Synopsis
On April 14, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, urged the Election Commission of India to conduct the upcoming Assembly elections under President's Rule. He emphasized this measure to ensure that all voters can cast their votes freely and safely.
Key Takeaways
- ECI should conduct elections under President's Rule.
- Hindu voters face intimidation in certain constituencies.
- Safety for voters must be ensured post-elections.
- Property worth Rs 100 crore destroyed in recent violence.
- Call for NIA investigation into violence in Murshidabad.
Kolkata, April 14 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) must guarantee that the West Bengal Assembly elections next year occur under President's Rule to allow every voter to participate without fear, stated the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Monday.
“In several constituencies within the state, the Hindu population is below 50 percent. Without conducting the elections under President's Rule, the Hindu electorate will be unable to vote in those areas,” Adhikari mentioned during a press interaction outside the Assembly.
He further clarified that his request should not be misconstrued.
“I advocate for elections under President's Rule to ensure that every voter, regardless of caste or religion, can exercise their voting rights freely and without intimidation. Furthermore, the ECI must safeguard voters in the state for at least three months following the elections,” Adhikari emphasized.
During the occasion, he also reported that approximately Rs 100 crore worth of property was ravaged in recent violence in the Murshidabad district, reportedly linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
“Most of the properties affected were owned by Hindus. We have compiled a list of those accountable for the destruction. This list will be presented at an appropriate time,” the opposition leader stated.
He added that the vandalism in Murshidabad bore striking similarities to incidents that occurred in neighboring Bangladesh recently.
“Central armed police forces have already been deployed in the area. We trust that tensions will subside. However, I also urge a probe by the National Investigation Agency into this situation,” Adhikari asserted.
Additionally, the opposition leader launched a fierce critique of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) for their involvement in the violence in Murshidabad.
“CPI-M is acting as the B-team of Trinamool Congress in this context. Their leader has demanded my arrest. When it comes to issues concerning Palestine, the CPI-M is quick to speak out. Yet, they remain silent on attacks against Hindus in West Bengal,” the opposition leader remarked.
