In a major setback to BJP in West Bengal, the Election Commission has advised Governor CV Ananda Bose to cancel his planned visit to Cooch Behar on the eve of the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, citing a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Polling is set to take place in Cooch Behar on April 19, with the 48-hour silence period, during which campaigning is prohibited, commencing on Wednesday evening. However, the purpose of the Governor’s visit was not immediately clear.
“Having come to know of the proposed tour of West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on April 18 and 19 to Cooch Behar, where polling is scheduled on April 19 and silence period is starting from this evening, the Election Commission (EC) has advised that the proposed tour may not be undertaken,” the sources said.
The Commission’s order came weeks after the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress wrote to it, accusing the Governor of interference in the election process.”Restrain Mr. CV Ananda Bose, the Hon’ble Governor of the State of West Bengal from running a parallel electioneering system of so-called reporting of complaints and supervising the elections under the name and style of “Log Sabha,” the Trinamool had told the Commission in its letter.
The EC has highlighted that, under the MCC, no local program can be organised for the Governor as proposed in his issued programme, according to communication sent to the office of the Governor. Additionally, the commission has acknowledged that the entire district administration and police force will be occupied with election management during April 18 and 19.
The proposed visit of the Governor would divert district administration and police personnel from their time-bound poll-related duties, as they would need to provide protocol and local security cover to the “unexpected” proposed visit “without an imminently known requirement”.
As per Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951, the “silence period” for Cooch Behar commences from 6 pm on April 17, which brings in a multitude of restrictions and a higher level of enforcement by election authorities, the sources said.
