BJP Seeks ECI's Intervention to Restrict Mamata Banerjee's Campaign Activities
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Kolkata, April 9 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has submitted a request to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking an immediate suspension and campaign limitations on West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, for a designated period during the crucial two-phase Assembly elections scheduled for later this month.
In a formal letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday, the BJP accused the Chief Minister of inciting violence against the central armed police forces (CAPF) stationed in the state to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
The BJP highlighted an instance on April 7 where the Chief Minister purportedly made an "inflammatory and seditious statement" during a public gathering, claiming that "200 vehicles of CRPF are coming to attack you, people."
Additionally, during an election rally in Harirampur, Dakshin Dinajpur district on April 3, Mamata Banerjee alleged that "money is being transported in CRPF vehicles," thereby casting doubt on the constitutional integrity and conduct of the central forces operating under the Election Commission's authority.
The BJP asserted that these remarks represent a calculated effort to depict lawfully deployed security personnel as aggressors against the civilian populace, aiming to provoke violence, instill fear among voters, and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
According to the BJP, these statements were made by a sitting Chief Minister, the highest constitutional authority within the state, in front of thousands of citizens, gaining significant coverage in both national media and social platforms.
In light of these public comments made by Mamata Banerjee, the BJP has urged the ECI to enforce an immediate ban and campaign restrictions on her for a designated period.
Moreover, the BJP has called upon the CEC to instruct West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal to file an FIR or facilitate the filing against Mamata Banerjee under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.