TMC to EC: Central forces engaging in illegal activities, intimidating voters

“They are entering private residences to intimidate voters and adversely influence them to cast their votes in favour of the BJP. Such partisan behaviour is illegally skewing the impartiality and sanctity of the ensuing elections,” said the letter.

A TMC delegation visited the ECI and submitted the complaints on Saturday afternoon.

“They are entering private residences to intimidate voters and adversely influence them to cast their votes in favour of the BJP. Such partisan behaviour is illegally skewing the impartiality and sanctity of the ensuing elections,” said the letter.

The party said it wanted to bring to the ECI’s attention “a matter of urgent concern regarding the deployment of central forces” and said that it was worth mentioning the “synergy between State and Central Forces is of paramount importance in ensuring secure and impartial elections, as both play complementary roles in maintaining law and order during elections”.

It then pointed out provisions of the Election Commission’s Manual on Force Deployment in Elections 2023, saying that as per rules, “every CAPF team should be provided with a representative of the local police from the time of their induction till the completion of the electoral process”.

“This provision underscores the importance of balanced force deployment and coordination between CAPF personnel and local state police for the conduct of free and fair elections,” the party said in the letter signed by Sudip Bandyopadhyay, TMC parliamentary leader in the Lok Sabha, Derek O’Brien, TMC parliamentary leader in the Rajya Sabha, and other members of Parliament.

The party sought details on the ratio of force deployment, assigned duties, compliance with ECI guidelines, and legal ramifications.

“Given the gravity of these allegations, we urge the Commission to take immediate cognizance of the matter and provide clarity on the deployment protocols. We look forward to your prompt response and any necessary corrective measures to uphold the sanctity of the elections,” the letter said.

Bypolls are scheduled in Sitai, Madarihat, Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur and Taldangra. In the 2021 Assembly elections, five of these seats were won by the ruling Trinamool Congress, with the BJP winning Madarihat.

In a separate letter, the party alleged that BP state president Sukanta Majumdar had insulted “the State Emblem of India” and had “spread false and defamatory allegations against West Bengal State Police”.

“Sir, It has come to our notice that on 07.11.2024, Shri Sukanta Majumdar who is the BJP State President in West Bengal, delivered a false, derogatory and defamatory speech during an election rally in poll- bound Taldangra. Shri Sukanta Majumdar has also insulted the State Emblem of India and the State Police by stating that police personnel should replace the Emblem on their uniforms with icons resembling footwear,” the party alleged.