The commission’s action came after BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi complained to the election body alleging that Banerjee had on April 3 appealed to the Muslim voters not to let their votes get split among different political parties
By Muslim Mirror Staff
New Delhi: The Election Commission on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in connection with her speech, in which she allegedly sought votes on ”communal grounds”.
In its order, the poll panel asked Banerjee to submit her explanation within 48 hours of receipt of the notice, failing which the ”commission shall take a decision without further reference to you”.
The commission’s action came after BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi complained to the election body alleging that Banerjee — the Trinamool candidate from Nandigram — had on April 3 appealed to the Muslim voters not to let their votes get split among different political parties, while delivering a speech in Tarkeshwar in Hooghly district that was telecast live on ABP Ananda. The BJP alleged that she openly demanded votes on communal grounds for her party.
Speaking about the different welfare schemes that her government had initiated, Banerjee said that for the minority community, there was the Aikyashree scheme. She added, ”I am requesting my minority brothers and sisters with folded hands don’t divide the minority votes after listening to the devil (shaitaan) person who had taken money from the BJP.”
”He passes many communal statements and initiates clashes between the Hindu and the Muslims. He is one of the apostles of the BJP, a comrade. The comrades of CPI-M and BJP are roaming around with the money given by the BJP to divide the minority votes. Please don’t allow them to do so. Keep in mind that if the BJP comes into the government then you will be in severe danger.
”I also will tell my Hindu brothers and sister not to make division amongst yourselves as Hindu and Muslim after listening to the BJP,” the notice quoted Banerjee as saying.
The commission said that the statement made by Banerjee on April 3 has been examined and the same has been found to be in violation of the provisions contained in Section 123 (3), 3 (A) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and also Clauses (2), (3) and (4) of Part I of General Conduct of Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of political parties and candidates.
Elections for the 294-member Bengal Assembly are being conducted in eight phases. While the first three phases have been completed, the remaining five phases will be held on April 10, April 17, April 22, April 26 and April 29. The results will be declared on May 2.
Mamatadi issued notice by @ECISVEEP on @BJP’s complaint
What about TMC complaints of
1. Video evidence of BJP candidate distributing cash
2. Cash coupons distributed to attend BJP mtng & voteGentlemen – at least keep up the farce of impartiality!
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) April 7, 2021
The TMC hit out at the Election Commission over the notice, seeking to know what action the poll panel has taken on the complaints filed by its members against the BJP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently brought up Banerjee’s speech. Speaking at a rally on April 6, he said, ”Didi (Banerjee), recently you said all Muslims should unite and not allow their votes to be divided… means you are convinced the Muslim vote bank has also gone out of your hands, the Muslims have also turned away from you.”
”Had we [the BJP] said the same thing that all Hindus should unite, everybody would have criticised us. The EC would have sent us notices. We would have been censured,” Modi added.
(With inputs from IANS)