Talk security issue with SEC,HC directs govt

The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed Chief Secretary,Home Secretary and Director General of Police to hold a meeting with State Election Commission officials on Saturday on deployment of forces during the campaigning of the five-phase panchayat polls set to begin next week.

Justice Sanjib Banerjee directed the government to file a report on the outcome of the meeting on July 10 — on the eve of the first phase. He said security of voters and candidates would have to be ensured during the campaigning process.

The court was hearing a writ petition filed by the Congress alleging that several of their candidates could not file nominations as they were threatened.

Meanwhile,Home Secretary Basudeb Banerjee held a meeting with the DMs and SPs of nine districts where elections will be held in the first three phases. The DMs and SPs also met SEC officials.