Bengal election commissioner bats for more powers

Facing several criticism over the "violence marred" civic polls in West Bengal, state election commissioner S.R. Upadhyay on Tuesday batted for more powers for the panel including authority over the administration during the polls.

"The commission is having issue with fixing dates of the polls. I think the commission should have the power to decide that because after the term of a board has expired, the government may not wish to hold the polls," he said.

"Also the security personnel including police should be under the control of the commission during the poll. It is the government which is entrusted with bringing a law in this respect, but we will surely work towards bringing such a law," he added.

Unlike the Election Commission of India, the state poll panel, which oversee civic elections, doesn't have the primacy over deciding the poll dates.

The opposition Left Front, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress have all slammed Upadhyay for unable to ensure free fair and peaceful polls to Kolkata Municipal Corporation and 91 civic bodies across the districts.

"Educated political parties have demanded my resignation... I will think what to do," said Upadhyay referring to the opposition parties demand he quit.

Talking about Tuesday counting of the polls, Upadhyay said there was a possibilities of repolling in four booths in Murshidabad, Raghunathpur and Madhyamgram after four EVMs could not be opened.

"Electronics Corporation of India Ltd's engineers have been deployed to sort them out. If the information isn't received by tonight then there are possibilities of repoll," said Upadhyay.

He also said the poll panel looking into the Communist Party of India-Marxist led Left Front's demand for recounting in 100 booths.