Don’t defer polls beyond May, CPM to EC

‘‘We have enough reason to believe that a conspiracy is being hatched to defer the elections and impose President’s Rule. We will not tolerate that at any cost. And what I am saying is nothing unconstitutional or illegal,’’ Biswas said.

Karat, who was here today to attend a function of bank employees, backed Biswas, stating that the party would not tolerate any deferment of elections.

‘‘I do not think there is any reason to defer elections in West Bengal beyond May. Elections should be held within May, when the term of the present Left Front Government ends,’’ he said.

Karat also took potshots at EC observers, saying that they were ‘‘more keen to make reflective comments to media rather than doing their job. They must perform their duties within their prescribed limitation. If they go beyond limits we will take it up.’’

Asked why the EC had singled out Bengal for sending observers to oversee roll revision process although polls are also being held in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Pondicherry, Karat said the EC must have seen Bengal as a unique case as the LF has been in power in the state for 29 years.

He warned the Congress against making any move of imposing President’s Rule. “They must learn a lesson from Bihar. And there is also a Supreme Court order (regarding imposition of President’s Rule) in a state. The Congress must keep all of them in mind.’’

Meanwhile, EC sources said the last date of publishing the final rolls would be extended by another week. It was supposed to be published by January 15. ‘‘Since so many objections are being raised regarding the rolls, the publication of the final rolls will definitely be delayed at least by one week,’’ said an EC official.

The state government has so far transferred six additional district magistrates, one SDO and eight police officers who have exceeded three years of service at one particular place. This was done following an EC order.