BIG: 20 Opposition parties come out in support of Mamata Banerjee, will protest against EC's decision cutting short poll campaign by 24 hours in West Bengal

In light of violence that has taken place in state in each of six election phases thus far, plus clashes that broke out at BJP party chief Amit Shah's roshow on Tuesday, on Wednesday evening, in an unprecedented step,  Election Commission cut short campaign in West Bengal by 24 hours.

Following development, more than 20 parties will be protesting against Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and against Election Commission in West Bengal. 20 parties will include Akhilesh Yav led- Samajwi party, Mayawati led- BSP, and Rahul Gandhi led-Congress.

Sources also said that N. Chandrababu Naidu led-TDP, MK Stalin-led DMK, Farooq Abdullah led- NC, Shar Pawar led- NCP can also be part of united opposition protesting against EC in Bengal.

Supporting Mamata Banerjee while she lashed out on Election Commission and Supreme Court, CPI(M) general secretary said 'EC to stop campaigning a day in vance is "not understood" whereas Akhilesh Yav said  that EC's decision to call off campaigning in Bengal is against all norms of democratic fair play.

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During press briefing on Wednesday evening, Election Commission announced that G (CID) West Bengal Rajeev Kumar stands relieved of his post and is reassigned to Home Ministry in New Delhi where he will have to report by 10 am on Thursday. Furrmore, it said Atri Bhattacharya, Principal Secretary (Home) of West Bengal government is removed and his duties will be discharged with state's Chief Secretary for time being.

"Rajeev Kumar G (CID) stands relieved and attached to Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi. He shall report at Ministry of Home Affairs by 10.00 am on May 16, 2019. Atri Bhattacharya, Principal Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs, Government of West Bengal stands relieved from his current charge immediately for having interfered in process of conducting elections by directing CEO, West Bengal," EC notice re. 

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Furrmore,  Election Commission suspended campaigning of all forms in West Bengal from 10 pm on Thursday, May 16, till end of polls on May 19. In  normal course,  campaigning was to end at 5 pm on May 17.

"This would be first time when ECI has invoked Article 324 in this manner but it may not be last in cases of repetition of lawlessness and violence which initiate conduct of polls in a peaceful and orderly manner," said Election Commission in notice on Wednesday.