Kolkata, 09 April (H.S.): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has approached the Election Commission of India seeking a temporary ban on the election campaign of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that some of her recent statements could incite hostility against central security forces.

In a letter sent to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday evening, the BJP alleged that the Chief Minister made provocative remarks against the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed in the state during the election period, which could affect the conduct of free and fair polls.

According to the complaint, Banerjee had allegedly stated during a public rally on April 7 that “200 CRPF vehicles are coming to attack people.” The BJP claimed that such remarks could create fear among the public and erode trust in the security forces.

The party also referred to another rally held on April 3 at Harirampur in Dakshin Dinajpur district, where the Chief Minister had alleged that money was being transported through vehicles of the central forces. The BJP argued that such accusations raise questions about the neutrality and constitutional role of the forces.

In its complaint, the BJP stated that such statements could adversely affect law and order, create panic among voters and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

The party has urged the Election Commission to take immediate action, including imposing restrictions on Banerjee’s campaign for a specific period. It has also sought directions to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, to register a First Information Report (FIR) against her under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh