CPI-M seeks SEC's intervention into Trinamool's 'rule-breaking'

Accusing the Trinamool Congress of flouting rules during the first phase of the West Bengal panchayat polls, a delegation of CPI-M members Saturday sought the State Election Commission (SEC)'s intervention into the matter.

Led by Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state secretariat member Robin Deb, the delegation complained against the use of motorbike rallies for campaigning and non-deployment of central security forces in several areas of West Midnapore during the first leg of polls Friday.

"In order to restrict the bike brigades from plying, an intervention is needed. In areas like Pingla, bike brigades were seen. At Arambagh (in Hooghly district) also the motor bike brigade is active " Deb told reporters here. The polls in Hooghly are slated for July 15.

Terming the activities "unconstitutional", he said the Left Front representatives had requested the SEC to take action against those accountable.

"We have requested them to take action against those who indulge in unconstitutional activities during the elections. Besides, we have requested strong security measures be put in effect to guard the strong rooms where ballot ballots are being placed," said Deb.

The delegation also accused Trinamool leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of campaigning even after the period of canvassing was over for last Friday's poll and demanded the SEC take "appropriate action".

Highlighting the non-compliance of SEC's directive to deploy central security forces, Deb objected to the police administration's failure to adhere to the norms.

"We have also objected to the way the police administration has gone against the court's orders. Burdwan's police superintendent refused to deploy the forces. We have asked the SEC to check such unconstitutional actions," he said.

"The Singur block development officer has been working in favour of TMC since the beginning. He had removed CPI-M supporters' names from the electoral list. We had complained against it," said Deb.