Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The tough-talking Special Election Observer (SEO) Afzal Amanullah today came under attack from the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Front representatives who attended an all-party meeting with the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and SEO.
Amanullah, who talked tough on measures the Election Commission contemplates on repeated ‘‘Opposition and media complaints about rigging in West Bengal’’ was asked today by CPI(M) representatives ‘‘how he could air such views in a press conference,’’ said sources. During the meeting, Amanullah narrowly escaped a charge that he was part of ‘‘a conspiracy to blacken the image of the state and its people,’’ sources said. Political observers said bracketing Bengal with Bihar as ‘‘problem states’’ ruffled LF feathers.
Rabin Deb, the LF chief whip and CPI(M) candidate from South Calcutta, said: ‘‘When we asked about his comments, he admitted that it’s unfortunate.’’
Later, Amanullah told reporters: ‘‘Henceforth, Basudeb Bandopadhyaya (CEO) would do the speaking and I would concentrate on action.’’ Earlier, he admitted that Opposition parties had complained against some police officers in some areas. After the meeting, Opposition members felt that ‘‘though late, but rightly the EC realised that all is not well with West Bengal elections’’. State BJP chief Tathagatha Roy said: ‘‘We tried to explain to the SEO that how rigging and booth-capturing goes on in West Bengal.’’
