Hours after PM Modi claimed that 40 MLAs of Trinamool Congress (TMC) were in touch with him, the party filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

In its complaint filed late on Monday, the TMC, which is in power in West Bengal, accused the PM of “encouraging horse trading” with his remarks.

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The TMC said that the PM is “encouraging horse trading, by hinting that the members of the AITC will cross over to the BJP, and using this lie to influence the voters and using this lie to persuade the voters”.

“You are thus requested to ask PM Narendra Modi for evidence in support of his statement, failing which his nomination should be cancelled for violation of the Model Code of Conduct by making such provocative and undemocratic statements,” the complaint read.

Addressing an election rally in West Bengal’s Serampore, the PM claimed that many of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s MLAs will leave TMC after the declaration of Lok Sabha election results on 23 May.

“Didi, on 23 May when the results come, lotus will bloom everywhere and your MLAs will leave you. Even today 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me,” the PM said at the rally in the municipal town in Hoogly district.

Reacting to the PM’s remarks, TMC MP Derek O’Brien said that the party will file a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) accusing the PM of horse trading.

“Expiry Babu PM, let’s get this straight. Nobody will go with you. Not even one councillor. Are you election campaigning or horse trading! Your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to the Election Commission. Charging you with horse trading,” he tweeted.

Expiry Babu PM , let’s get this straight. Nobody will go with you. Not even one councillor. Are you election campaigning or horse trading! Your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to the Election Commission. Charging you with horse trading #LokSabhaElection2019

— Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) April 29, 2019

Meanwhile, an FIR was filed against BJP MP Babul Supriyo for allegedly trespassing into a booth at Barabani under Asansol and threatening a polling agent and an officer.

The action was taken on Monday after the TMC, in a letter to the EC, alleged that Supriyo and other BJP candidates were entering various polling booths threatening and intimidating the poll officials and agents of other political parties.

Polling in West Bengal is being held in all seven phases. It has so far been the only state to have recorded the highest turnout in more than one phase and is also the only state where poll violence has been reported in every phase held so far.