Bengal polls
Mamata Banerjee slams EC’s announcement of 8-phase Bengal polls, BJP welcomes decision
Kolkata/IBNS: As the Election Commission (EC) on Friday announced the dates for Assembly polls to be held in four states including West Bengal and a Union territory starting March 27, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the poll body for scheduling an eight-phase election process in her state.
Banerjee also requested the Election Commission to be neutral in exercising its powers while overseeing the poll process.
The high-voltage Assembly polls in West Bengal will be held in eight phases from March 27 to April 29.
Speaking at a press conference, Banerjee said: "I am shocked but I welcome your (Election Commission's) decision. I request the Election Commission not to see West Bengal through BJP’s eyes."
In a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is making frequent visits to poll-bound Bengal to pave the way for BJP to come to power, Banerjee said: "I welcome the Prime Minister to exercise his power but not misuse it for the BJP."
Banking on the popular slogan this election season, the Bengal CM said: "We will play the game in eight phases. The BJP may try to destroy Bengal but I will emerge victorious after the election."
Meanwhile, the Bengal BJP has welcomed the EC's decision and also slammed the Chief Minister for using the term 'playing games' in regards to the election.
Addressing the media, BJP spokesperson Shamik Bhattacharya said, "We welcome the decision by the Election Commission to hold the elections in Bengal in eight phases. This is the biggest celebration of democracy and the people of Bengal will get an opportunity to cast their votes without any fear."
"People of Bengal are politically conscious and they want to vote in a peaceful and congenial environment. Our party has made efforts to reach people's concern to the Election Commission to hold free and fair elections in Bengal," he said.
In response to CM Mamata Banerjee's statement, Bhattacharya said: "We don't see the election as a game. To term election as a game is an insult to democracy and to the people. We have full faith in the people and they will give the final verdicts through their votes."
West Bengal will vote in eight phases on Mar 27, Apr 1, 6, 10,17,22,26,29.
Chief Election Commission Sunil Arora said voting in Assam will be held in three phases. Polling in Assam will take place on Mar 27, Apr 1 and Apr 6.
In Kerala, a single-phase polling will be held on Apr 6 while Tamil Nadu will vote on Apr 6.
Puducherry will also vote to elect a new Assembly on Apr 6.
The counting of votes will take place on May 2.
Sunil Arora said polling time has been increased by one hour in the upcoming polls.
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