TMC demands removal of Spl Poll Observer Ajay Nayak

Nayak, who took the office as the special poll observer for Bengal during 2nd phase polling on April 18, last Saturday said,"This situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar

around 15 years ago. During that time in Bihar total deployment of central forces at the booths was required."

The prevailing conditions, he said, has led to the voters' as well as the polling officials' demand

for deployment of central forces in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Hours later, TMC in a letter to the election body sought immediate removal of the special observer, alleging Nayak has proximity to the RSS and the BJP and was acting as per their orders.

TMC general secretary Subrata Bakshi demanded the cancellation of Nayak's appointment, citing reasons of not acting in a non-partisan manner in the letter.

The letter to state chief electoral officer alleged Mr Nayak's statement was amounted to a "partisan manner, with pre-conceived notions, to de-stabilise the conduct of elections in the state in a

free and fair manner by creating a fear psychosis among the electorate by making such statements."

The TMC said Nayak's appointment was in violation of the provisions of the Representations of People Act because he is a retired and not a serving officer of the government.

Mr Nayak, a former IAS officer and held the office of chief electoral officer in Bihar.

He said no other states in the country have so many companies of central forces in the current Lok Sabha elections. Even in neighbouring Bihar has some 20 per cent booths have been covered.

In Bengal, during the 2nd phase for three LS seats of north Bengal on April 18, about 80 per cent booths have been guarded with central armed forces and remaining 20 per cent with state police.

But the opposition parties were not happy with the state police and complained of booth

capturing and intimidation by the miscreants at the many booths under Raiganj and Darjeeling LS segments.

"What is happening in Bengal is not good for the democracy as people must have confidence in the state police," Nayak opined, saying that the poll body preferred massive participation of voters to choose a government democratically.

Meanwhile, the SP of Malda, Arnab Ghosh has been removed and SP Ajay Prasad has been asked to take charge immediately.

The poll body expressed concern over the disappearance of Nadia district Nodal officer arnab Roy since Thursday afternoon.

The poll body announced that some 350 companies of central para-military forces - 120 in Murshidabad, 89 in Malda and 41 in South Dinajpur-will be deployed.

Sources said, the armed forces have been on route march in Birbhum and South Dinajpur to induce confidence among the people.