EC asks Mamata Banerjee to explain “gherao central forces” comment

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee was asked by the Election Commission to explain her comments at a campaign rally asking people to “gherao” Central paramilitary forces. She was asked to respond in two days, failing which further action would be taken by the EC.

Through her comment, she has violated several sections of the model code of conduct, the EC said. The EC referred to her speeches on March 28 and April 7, in which Banerjee allegedly accused central forces of intimidating voters and urged women to “gherao” central forces. The notice to Banerjee also referred to her speech at Cooch Behar in which she made what the Election Commission said were “highly objectionable remarks” on the Central paramilitary forces.

The EC said the “false, provocative and intemperate statements” attempted to “vilify” central forces and had caused “extreme demoralisation” to the personnel. The EC also said that the CM was “inciting women voters to attack the personnel” of central forces. “It is extremely unfortunate that political battles are thus sought to be fought in this manner instead of being fought in the campaign trail”, the EC mentioned. The poll body also accused Banerjee of “sparing no effort to ensure that a deep wedge and rift” was created between the Bengal police and Central forces.

Earlier, the EC had asked the Trinamool chief to explain her comments on what the poll body deemed as “openly demanding votes on communal grounds” while campaigning in Hooghly district on April 3.