Pro-Trinamool men at Bengal CEO's office, BJP alleges

Kolkata: Questioning the content of the show-cause notice sent by the Election Commission to Union Minister Babul Supriyo on a campaign song, the BJP on Wednesday alleged pro-Trinamool Congress officers were deployed in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal.

"We have asked the CEO whether the letter was drafted in his office or Trinamool's office. Babul Supriyo will reply to the show cause notice by tomorrow (Thursday). The CEO, in his letter, admitted that the video was related to the making of a video song," BJP leader Jay Prakash Majumder told reporters.

Advertisements for campaign of any political party are required to be pre-certified by the Commission before uploading it on social media or transmitting it on any audio-visual media 

The Election Commission on Tuesday slapped a show-cause notice on Supriyo for not seeking permission before releasing a video of his party's campaign song for Bengal on the social media.

"We have asked the Commission whether the video song was found to be promoted or advertised in any social media platforms. Whether it was released and transmitted in advertising forms," he asked.

BJP leaders said that media coverage of recording of the campaign song was uploaded by some enthusiasts and it became viral.

"The Commission should show cause the persons who had drafted the letter. Some pro-Trinamool officers are deployed in the CEO's office," Majumder alleged.

Supriyo also accused West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress of maligning the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

"They are accusing the CRPF because they are not confident of winning the election if it is conducted in a free and fair manner," he said.

According to Majumder, Trinamool lodged a complaint before the Election Commission against the CRPF for talking to people.

"They should welcome them. Why are they afraid of free and fair elections? We have urged the Commission to ensure free and fair elections."

Asked why the BJP was delaying announcement of candidates' list, Supriyo said, "We have 84 extraordinary candidates for 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal. Sometime, it takes time to take any decision. BJP is a national party and it is not a regional party like Trinamool Congress.The central ledership will finalise candidates by tonight or by tomorrow."

Asked about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's comment on Ram Mandir, he said, "There are cases pending before the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly said we will wait for the Supreme Court's verdict. She perhaps made this comment as a Trinamool leader and if she respects the chair of West Bengal Chief Minister, she should not make such comments." 

Banerjee on Tuesday said while they (the Modi government) could not even construct one Ram temple, her government has spruced up the pilgrimage spots as part of its development programmes.