Fwd: Left Front approaches EC over TMC's poll code violations

The Left Front on Friday approached the Election Commission over alleged violations of the poll code by West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress ahead of the assembly elections.

A Left Front delegation led by senior Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Rabin Deb met CEO Sunil Gupta regarding the alleged violation of the model code of conduct by the Trinamool. In a deputation submitted to Gupta, they drew attention to the non-compliance of EC's directives at the grassroots.

Deb said while the Left leaders already apprised the CEO about specific incidents in violation of the mode code by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, MP Mukul Roy and party leader Rezzak Mollah, the poll panel had showcaused only Mollah.

Dubbing it as a "balancing act", the Left Front criticised Gupta following the showcause notice issued to CPI-M leader Mohammed Salim over comments which were in violation of the poll code - according to media reports.

"We have told the CEO that if the show cause notice to Salim was issued to appease Trinamool then we will not accept it and will approach the poll panel in this regard," Deb told the media here, adding Salim is seeking legal advice in the matter.

Apart from Mollah and Salim, the Commission had also issued showcause notice to Trinamool Congress' Birbhum district president Anubrata Mondal on Thursday.

"Mondal and Mollah have submitted their responses and Salim's was awaited," said EC official Amitjyoti Bhattacharya, adding that if it is not received, than the EC will be informed about it and necessary steps taken as per the EC's instructions.

Bhattacharya said the EC has deployed as many as 10 Central Awareness Observers in Bengal to review electoral awareness initiatives.