'Haven't violated any rules': Mamata Banerjee defends remarks against CRPF after EC notice

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Saturday responded to Election Commission notice on her remarks against Central forces deployed in state for ongoing assembly polls. Taking serious note of her allegations against CAPFs, EC h pulled up Banerjee for constantly berating and demoralising Central forces who often helped governments in restoring law and order in country.

In her response to poll body, TMC chief said re has been no effort from her side to incite or influence electorate against CAPFs. Mamata Banerjee stated that her remarks did not encourage people to ‘gherao’ officials but to ‘democratically protest against those who were allegedly obstructing voters. “It is clear I haven't violated Model Code of Conduct,” she wrote to EC.

Mamata's response to EC notice

In its order dated April 9, EC remarked that CM was inciting women, voters, to target CRPF personnel thus wedging a divide between state police force and CAPF, that would have serious consequential damage even after elections.  EC's notice to Mamata Banerjee on Friday was second such served to TMC supremo in a space of 2 days. 

TMC supremo h targeted CRPF personnel during her election campaign on April 7 in Cooch Behar and h called for CRPF personnel to be gheraoed wherever y are deployed for security during elections. On March 28, in a television interview, Mamata Banerjee h criticised CRPF force for allegedly intimidating women voters and not allowing m to cast votes. On several occasions, ruling party has targeted Central forces, accusing m of working at behest of BJP and blocking people from voting for TMC.

West Bengal elections

fourth phase of assembly elections is currently underway in West Bengal, as ruling TMC continues to remain at loggerhes with BJP, which is keen on snatching power from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Some of key constituencies in fourth phase of elections include Bhawanipur, Tollygunge, and Singur. Out of 44 constituencies, nine are in Howrah, 10 in Hooghly, 11 in South 24 Parganas, five in Alipurduar, and nine in Cooch Behar.

first phase concluded with a voter turnout of 82 percent,  second phase with 80.43 percent, and,  third phase concluded with a voter turnout of 83.93 percent. Apart from phase four which started today, Bengal's or phases of elections are scheduled on April 17, April 22, April 26, and April 29 with results to be announced on May 2.