No compromise on rules, promises Bengal poll officer

Keeping an update of complaints against various candidates, the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer on Tuesday promised elections "without any compromise".

"All kinds of protocol related to the elections will be maintained. Undoubtedly be it law and order or anything else, there will be no compromise," Additional Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Basu told reporters.

He mentioned that all the "poll officials for first two phases are satisfied" after the CEO spoke to them and gave them an assurance. Adequate steps will be taken for peaceful and fair polls. Poll officials in various parts of the state had earlier protested, demanding adequate security.

Asked about steps taken against Trinamool Birbhum district chief Anubrata Mondal, he said a show-cause letter has been issued to him by the DEO. A report has also been sought about BJP candidate Nisith Pramanik.

Mondal had said that he would ask the presiding officials to allow him to 'manage' votes, while Pramanik was seen questioning an armed policeman.

Regarding BJP's theme song being played despite instructions, Basu said they have sought a report from the member who had submitted the lyrics.

"The ECI's order of April 15, 2004 states various actions that can be taken if anything is used in campaign without pre-certification. The action will be taken accordingly, " he said.

The CEO office has seized 9.19 lakh litres of liquor, 403 arms, 396 bombs, 48 weapons and Rs 20.36 crore in cash since the announcement of the election, but it is proved to have no connections with the elections.

--IANS

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