The Election Commission today snubbed BJP and TMC leaders for making baseless and unfortunate allegations on voters list and role of BSF.
BJP state president Dilip Ghosh alleged inclusion of Rohingyas in state voters list. TMC minister Partha Chatterjee had complained against BSF pressuring voters to vote for a particular party.
Without naming the two parties, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said, ` we are not going to accept ad nauseam allegations made on issues. The Commission will verify all that is required before coming to a decision. It is `unfortunate’ that a fine and nationalist organisation like BSF is being questioned. Certain baseless allegations are also made on the inclusion of Rohingyas in voters list’’.
He clarified that when time comes central forces will arrive for elections in the state. He said, “ there are 23 companies of central forces in the state. If required we will send more. Muscle or money power will not be entertained’’.
Ad nauseam, EC will not revise or review the voters list, until its Delhi officers are satisifed that changes are needed. Arora said, “ our officers in Delhi will take a close look on the voters list and then decide’’.
In 2021 Bengal elections, EC will set up booths on ground floors. There are around 78,000 polling booths. EC has decided to increase the number by a few thousand.
EC decided to ban all bike rallies after the announcement of polls. It is expected that EC will announce poll dates by the end of January or in the first week of February. Civic volunteers or green police will not be used for polls. EC is yet to decided on the number of poll observers.
The full bench of EC today ended its 2-day visit to state. The state government had submitted a report on the law and orders situation. EC will prepare its own report.
Bengali