In yet another embarrassment for Mamata Banerjee government, Calcutta high court on Friday directed the chief secretary, home secretary and DG to provide adequate security to the candidates of various political parties so that they can campaign for the panchayat polls without any obstruction. Justice Sanjib Banerjee asked these top bureaucrats and police personnel to hold a meeting with the state election commissioner within 24 hours to discuss this issue.
Hearing a petition of a CPI(M) candidate Manoara Bibi of Bhangar in South 24 Parganas, the high court wanted to know the views of the lawyer of the state election commission, R.C. Behani. Mr Behani told the court that the SEC had informed the state government that it needed 321 companies of forces before the election and during the filing of nomination and campaigning. However, the state government could provide only 39 companies. Therefore, conducive environment for peaceful and fearless campaigning could not be created. The SEC counsel told the court that due to unavailability of forces, security could not be provided for candidates and area domination and flag marches.
The CPI(M) candidate complained that she was being hounded and harassed by the Trinamul Congress supporters. The bike bahini (motorcycle-borne goons) allegedly made it impossible for Ms Manoara to come out of her home for campaigning. Endorsing her allegation, the SEC lawyer said that such incidents were indeed taking place in several parts of the state.
From the moment filing of nomination began reports have been pouring in of intimidation and assault of Opposition candidates by Trinamul Congress supporters.
Justice Banerjee asked also the government to file a report in the court on July 10.
Welcoming the court order, CPI(M) central committee member Mohammad Salim said that it showed that the state government was not carrying out its responsibilities.
Meanwhile, state election commissioner Mira Pande on Friday held a meeting with the district magistrates and superintendents of police of nine districts where panchayat polls will be held in the first three phases — on July 11, 15 and 19. These districts are Bankura, Purulia, West Midnapore, East Midnapore, Hooghly, Burdwan, Howrah, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas.