CPM asks EC to check malpractices during WB bypolls

Fearing recourse by rival parties to terror, rigging and malpractices in the upcoming by-elections in West Bengal, CPI(M) today urged Election Commission to ensure adequate measures to prevent any abuses during voting.
CPI(M) Politburo member Sitaram Yechury forwarded a letter from the party's WB State Committee to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in which the party has alleged that money power of the ruling party was being employed to sway voters in total violation of electoral norms.
"In view of the terror, rigging and malpractices of the ruling Trinamool Congress in the last Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, I would like your good office to undertake adequate measures to prevent such practices well ahead of time in the by-elections to be held on Feb. 13," Yechury said in the letter.

The party alleged that the police and the state election machinery was being used by TMC to serve their electoral interests.
Crucial by-elections are scheduled to be held on February 13 to the Bongaon Lok Sabha and Krishnaganj Assembly seats in West Bengal.
"BJP is running its campaign with vicious communal agenda, thus vitiating the situation. Both the Lok Sabha and the Assembly seats border Bangladesh. Communal propaganda in total violation of the Electoral Act and the Constitution must be prevented forthwith," the letter said.
The party also alleged that restrictions on campaigning against CPI(M) candidates were being frequently imposed by the police authorities concerned.

"In view of the aforesaid situation, free and fair polls in the Bongaon and Krishnaganj by-elections may not be possible," the party said.