Kolkata, March 25 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging significant breaches of the model code of conduct (MCC) currently enforced in the state.

The complaint, shared with IANS, highlighted that under clauses 9.3 and 9.4 of Chapter 9 of the MCC, the exhibition of hoardings and images of political figures, including chief ministers and ministers, at public expense is strictly prohibited after the MCC comes into effect. Despite this, the Kalighat Skywalk Project, located next to the revered Kalighat Kali temple and associated with the state government, continues to display her photograph.

The communication from the state BJP unit to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal stated: “It is crucial to note that Ms. Mamata Banerjee is not only the current Chief Minister but also the leader of the Trinamool Congress and a candidate for the 159 AC Bhabanipur. The location at Kalighat is well within the boundaries of this constituency.”

Furthermore, the BJP asserted that the ongoing display of her images as Chief Minister contravenes both the MCC and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The letter urged for the prompt removal of all such hoardings, banners, and photographs featuring Banerjee, including the one at the Kalighat Skywalk on Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, and requested appropriate legal action against the offenders.

As of the time this report was written, there was no official response from the West Bengal government or the ruling Trinamool Congress regarding these allegations.

Earlier, the Chief Minister addressed three consecutive rallies in North Bengal, gearing up for the upcoming two-phase assembly elections next month. From one of the rallies, she made serious allegations regarding the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units already stationed in the state.

She expressed that every vote cast against the BJP would serve as a form of retaliation against the ECI for the inconveniences caused to the public due to the extensive revision process.

While she conveyed her respect for the CAPF, she criticized their actions in West Bengal, claiming they were operating as agents for the BJP, even displaying the party's flags.

“Women in West Bengal must take special measures to safeguard polling stations from the early hours on election days. If you desire peace in West Bengal for the next five years, you must protect the booths for a single day and prevent outside interference in the elections. Rally on the streets with whatever you possess,” the Chief Minister urged.

She also launched a fierce critique against the Commission for transferring, replacing, and assigning bureaucrats and police officers from West Bengal to other states without prior notification.