Bengal Elections: Election Commission’s crackdown on security of TMC leaders! Answer sought on deployment of 2,185 policemen

Election Commission: The Election Commission of India has taken cognizance of the deployment of large number of police personnel by West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police to provide personal security to Trinamool Congress leaders at various levels in the state. The Commission has also expressed concern over alleged bias in the selection of leaders for security provided by the state. According to Election Commission sources, ruling party leaders have disproportionately more security.

People associated with TMC got security

The Election Commission also found that before the announcement of the elections, the West Bengal government had deployed 2,185 police personnel to provide security to 832 people who were directly associated with the Trinamool Congress. Along with this, 144 other people were also given security, which included supporters of the ruling party. Sources said the commission has taken the matter seriously and has directed Director General of Police Siddha Nath Gupta to conduct a strict professional review in a fair and equitable manner within the next two to three days.

Election Commission had asked for status report from the police

Earlier in the day, the commission had sought a status report from the West Bengal Police. The report was in compliance with the Commission’s previous order, which had directed the withdrawal of security given by the State to political leaders with criminal records and tarnished image, irrespective of political party affiliation. Earlier, the Commission had directed leaders to remove the security given by the state, irrespective of which political party they were affiliated with. This also included those leaders who are out on bail or parole, who have criminal cases pending against them or who have a criminal history. The deadline to remove such security was Thursday midnight.

Also read: Bengal Elections: CM Mamata speaks on the incident of gherao of judicial officers, accuses AIMIM and BJP; said this big thing

Instructions were given to remove the security of which leaders?

The Election Commission also directed to remove the security of those leaders who were taking advantage of unauthorized security given by the state, despite not being entitled to it as per protocol. The Commission also issued similar directions in respect of tainted political leaders against whom non-bailable arrest warrants have not yet been executed. In such cases the Commission directed that the warrants be served within a reasonable time limit.

With agency input…