State poll chief sees no Red in Sourav

Ganguly along with percussionist Bikram Ghosh were roped by the EC to create awareness among the voters about the election in order to achieve higher turnout during the Assembly elections.

In its complaint lodged with the poll panel on Wednesday,the Trinamool alleged that Ganguly was associated with the CPM and was close to minister for Urban Development Ashok Bhattacharya for whom he had promised to campaign during the polls. It also said that the former India captain acted as brand ambassadors of several government departments,including West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation. The party had also submitted a CD in support its claims.

Ganguly,who got in touch with the commission,refuted the allegations and denied having any involvement with either CPM or any other political outfit.

“Ganguly expressed his concern for having being dragged into a controversy. He strongly denied any involvement with any single political party and stated in unequivocal terms that whatever he did was done as a cricketerto further the cause of the game in the country,” said the CEO.

“We have sent the Trinamool’s complaint and all the evidence along with our views to the Election Commission of India for a final decision on the issue,’’ the CEO added.

The press release issued by the CEO said: “We have examined the issue and ascertained there was no such evidence. The video CD too was examined and we did not find any evidence of participation of Ganguly in any political campaign,’’ it added.

On Wednesday,Additional CEO N K Sahana had said: “We had taken a verbal assurance from Sourav Ganguly that he won’t campaign for any political party before selecting him as an icon of the commission.