CPI(M) demands EC makes proper security arrangements in Bengal

Expressing concerns over reports of violence after fifth phase of polling in West Bengal, CPI(M) today demanded the Election Commission "strictly" execute section 144 in 25 constituencies which go to poll during last and sixth leg of the state assembly election on May 5.
"Section 144 should be strictly and properly executed in the ensuing poll in the two districts Cooch Behar and East Midnapore.
"Unlawful gathering by motorcycle borne political musclemen in the roads and by-lanes beyond 200 meters of booths in attempt to intimidate voters should be foiled," the CPI(M) demanded in a memorandum to the EC.
The CPI(M) also asked the Election Commission to ensure proper security arrangements after the last phase too, especially because the interregnum between final leg of voting and counting of votes is of almost two week-long as the party apprehends recurrence of violence.

The memorandum was signed by CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and party central secretariat member Nilotpal Basu.
The duo further expressed apprehensions that there is "some serious possibilities" of intrusion of outsiders in the two districts to "manipulate" entire vote and sought to keep all hotels, tourist lodges, under-construction buildings and slum areas there under "serious vigil".

The Marxist leaders asked the EC to also "seal effectively" coastal, riverine and land borders of East Midnapore as was done during previous phases.
The two also insisted EC to ensure patrolling and route march of central forces to build up confidence-level of common voters in all sensitive areas.

Among other demands, they said electors' photo identity card and voters' slip supplied by the Commission "be checked properly".
Accusing the TMC of launching unabated violence and "not even sparing children" for their elders having gone to polling booths after voting in previous phases, CPI(M) asked the authority to ensure proper post-poll security.
Campaigning for the last phase of the election ended today.
In all, 170 candidates including 18 women are in fray in 25 constituencies which have an electorate of over 58 lakh voters.