The Election Commission (EC) has sought an explanation from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah for a party worker’s statement in West Bengal that the poll panel was under their control.
BJP leader Joy Baneree had said at a public meeting in Birbhum district two days ago that his party had “control over the Election Commission”. He then went on to speak about the security arrangements for the West Bengal Assembly elections due next year.
“The Commission considers that the above-referred statement of Mr. Banerjee amounts to denigrating the integrity of the Election Commission, as the statement can distort public perception about the neutrality, autonomy and independence of the Election Commission. The Commission has directed that the Bharatiya Janata Party may explain its position with regard to the above statement of Mr. Banerjee. The reply of the party may be submitted by September 25,” the EC said in a statement.
It has also sent the BJP a CD containing the recording of Mr. Banerjee’s speech.
