The Trinamool Congress in a letter to the Election Commission (EC) on Monday alleged that the Central Forces were encouraging the BJP candidates by entering booths and influencing voters in West Bengal.
Eight West Bengal constituencies are going to the Lok Sabha polls in the fourth phase today.
All eyes are on Asansol, where Union Minister and sitting BJP MP Babul Supriyo is facing Trinamool’s Moon Moon Sen.
The TMC claimed that Babul Supriyo and other BJP candidates were entering various polling booths threatening and intimidating the poll officials and agents of other political parties.
It said the Central Forces have allowed the BJP candidates to violate the Model Code of Conduct adding that the Election Commission has failed to ensure free and fair polling in a neutral manner.
“From time to time, various complaints have been filed by AITC and its leaders before the ECI and other authorities pointing out illegal act of officials and personnel of Central Forces. Since no action or measures have been taken by your good office against their action in violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Model Code of Conduct, they are now emboldened to continue violation of the provisions of the MCC thereby vitiating the sanctity of the election process,” the letter read.
The party further urged the poll body to take necessary steps immediately to ensure peace and free and fair polling in the state. It also asked the EC to act against the offenders and direct the Central Forces not to interfere in the election process illegally.
Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2019 Phase 4
Violence erupted early on Monday morning in West Bengal as polling in eight constituencies began for the fourth phase along with 63 other Lok Sabha constituencies spread over eight other states, including Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag.
Clashes were reported between TMC workers and security personnel in polling booths in Asansol.
Sitting BJP MP Babul Supriyo’s car was vandalised outside a polling booth in Asansol.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned police firing inside a booth in Dubrajpur.
“I have heard that a central force personnel have entered a booth in Dubrajpur and opened fire. Law and order is a state subject. They cannot do it,” she said.
The TMC has also written to the EC raising the matter of firing by police personnel inside a booth.