New Delhi

On Monday, the Election Commission responded to allegations from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) about delays in addressing its complaints. The TMC had accused the commission of inaction regarding alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct, including claims that Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel were intimidating voters and that West Bengal BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar had insulted the state emblem and police.

The Election Commission rejected the accusations, stating that it had acted promptly upon receiving two representations from the TMC. The Commission explained that while it received an initial request for a meeting with the AITC on November 8, it did not specify any issues. A reminder was sent the next day, but it also lacked clarity on the matters to be discussed. On November 9, a TMC delegation submitted two representations to the Commission, which scheduled a hearing for November 11.

The Commission stated that, in response to the complaints, it quickly directed the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to address the issue of force deployment. A meeting was convened within 20 hours, and decisions were made regarding the involvement of state police with CAPF personnel.

Regarding Sukanta Majumdar, the Commission issued him a notice to respond to the allegations. It concluded by rejecting the TMC’s claims of delay, calling them unfounded and misleading.