EC advises Trinamool's Mondal to restrict movement

The Election Commission has advised controversial Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal - who is under the poll panel's surveillance - to refrain from moving beyond his constituency, an official said on Saturday.

"No restriction has been imposed on the movement of Trinamool's Birbhum district president Anubrata Mondal. He will be kept under constant surveillance till the poll process is complete. We have instructed the district magistrate to advise Mondal not to move outside his constituency," additional chief electoral officer (CEO) Dibyendu Sarkar told the media here.

However, Mondal appeared unfazed by the "urgent legal action" that the Election Commission took against him, saying the move will not affect the party's performance in his district.

The district votes on Sunday in the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections.

"I am not bothered. The Election Commission will do its job, Anubrata Mondal will do his job," said the leader referring to the commission's order on Thursday that his movements be closely watched, even video-graphed.

The team monitoring his movement comprises central security forces, who also have been stationed around his residence, and a local magistrate.

The commission took the action against Mondal following complaints by the opposition that he was threatening them.

The opposition parties and the civil society members also sought his arrest to create a conducive atmosphere for holding free and fair polls.

Known as much for his organisational skill as for his vitriolic speeches, Mondal insists the clampdown will have no bearing on the Trinamool's prospects.

"The votes will only increase. All these slander and lies have spurred party activists and now they will endeavour to get more votes polled," said Mondal, adding he respected the Election Commission.