The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday wrote to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over her suggestion to meet political parties. Reminding her of the multiple meetings that the commission has with the representatives of All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC), the EC said that her repeated innuendos were only intended to belittle the commission.
“Commission maintains the position that they would not like to keep on being put in the dock for alleged proximity to any political entity etc. However, if CM persists in creating and attempting to perpetuate this myth for reasons best known to her, it is singularly unfortunate, and it is only for CM to adjudge as to why she is doing so,” read the letter from EC to Mamata.
The polls body also rejected Mamata's demand to reinstate Director Security Vivek Sahay and other officers who were suspended after she suffered an injury in Nandigram on March 10.
Earlier, escalating her attacks on the BJP-led Centre, Banerjee had said, "Will Home Minister run the country or decide who will get arrested or beaten up, or will he decide which agency will chase whom? Who is running Election Commission? I hope it`s not you, Amit Shah. We want a free and fair election. He is intervening in the day-to-day working of EC."
Addressing a public rally at Mejia in Bankura district, the Chief Minister said, "No matter how much BJP tortures me. I do not care. Jo mujhse takrayega, woh choor-choor ho jayega (the one who hits me will be crushed). An injured tigress is more dangerous. I will play with one leg only with the support of the two legs of my daughters and mothers."
Banerjee sustained "severe bone injuries" on her left foot and ankle as well as bruises and injuries on her shoulder, forearm, and neck, according to the report of her initial medical examination. She was discharged from the hospital on March 12.
Elections to the 294-member state assembly will be held in eight phases starting from March 27. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.
