EC Orders Police Action on Meme Targeting CM Mamata Before Phase 2
The Election Commission of India has directed West Bengal police to take immediate action against the circulation of an offensive meme video targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, ahead of the high-stakes Phase 2 polling on April 29. The directive came suo motu — without any formal complaint — underscoring the Commission's heightened vigilance in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched constituencies in the state.
Key Developments in the Bhabanipur Meme Row
According to Election Commission officials, the meme video specifically targets CM Mamata Banerjee, who is herself a candidate in Kolkata's Bhabanipur constituency in Phase 2. Officials indicated that a case is likely to be registered under relevant provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Act in connection with the video. Notably, the Commission acted on its own initiative the moment the matter came to its notice, signalling zero tolerance for digital content that could inflame electoral sentiment.
The Bhabanipur Battle: Mamata vs Adhikari
Bhabanipur has emerged as the epicentre of political drama in this election cycle. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari is contesting against Mamata Banerjee on a BJP ticket, and the two have traded sharp remarks throughout a fiercely contested campaign. Campaigning officially concluded at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 27. This comes amid reports that BJP workers allegedly ran a counter-microphone campaign near a Trinamool Congress rally at Chakraberia on Saturday, reportedly forcing the Chief Minister to cut short her address within minutes. Banerjee held a follow-up procession in the area on Sunday, accusing the BJP of
