EC in ‘evidence’ fix over code violations

Despite imposing the model code of conduct,no action has been taken by the EC against any violator even after receiving over 1,000 complaints in the state. A few notices have been issued to some parties and FIRs are filed against a few candidates. But these do not carry any significance,as political leaders have not been booked so far.

According to an EC official,many cases of violation are pending with the EC,as the commission does not have concrete evidence against them. Amitava Nandy,CPM candidate from Dum Dum,had allegedly distributed cash to voters in a meeting. Lakshman Seth,CPM candidate from Tamluk,while addressing a public meeting allegedly tried to defame the Trinamool candidate Subhendu Adhikari by saying that he was the culprit behind the Nandigram massacre. Graffiti written by Seth’s men say,“One vote to Trinamool means one bullet to your kin’s heart”. In another instance,CPM candidate from Diamond Harbour Shamik Lahiri inaugurated a school after the poll schedule was announced.

A senior EC official said several complaints were filed against the candidates but not against the party. “The complaints have to be filed against the political party or against the candidate who has already filed his/her nomination,” said the official. Since many of the candidates have not yet filed the nominations,they cannot be booked under the law. Further,the EC does not have any authority to take action,which can be taken either by the administration or the police .