Bengal polls: ECI serves notice to Mamata for 'openly demanding votes on communal ground', seeks her explanation within 48 hours

In the notice, the commission has asked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo to explain her stand on the statement she made within the next 48 hours.

"The Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your stand in making the statement, within 48 hours of receipt of this notice, failing which the Commission shall take a decision without further reference to you," the ECI wrote in the show-cause notice to Mamata Banerjee.

Earlier on Apr 3, during an election rally in Tarakeshwar in Hooghly district, the ruling party chief had openly demanded votes for her party on the communal ground which violated the MCC, according to the ECI.

"I am requesting my minority brothers and sisters with folded hands don't divide the minority votes after listening to the 'Shaitaan' (devil) person who had taken money from the BJP," Banerjee said during the mass-meeting.

"He passes many communal statements and initiates clashes between the Hindu and Muslims. The comrades of CPI-M and BJP are roaming around with the money given by BP to divide the minority votes," she added.

The ECI found that the statement made by Mamata Banerjee had violated the provisions contained in Section 123(3). 3(A) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and also clauses (2), (3) and (4) of Part I of 'General Conduct of Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of political parties and candidates'.

The Election Commission has made the action following a BJP delegation led by Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had submitted a complaint before the poll body against Mamata Banerjee.

Meanwhile, reacting on the matter, TMC Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra tweeted: "Mamatadi issued notice by ECI on BJP’s complaint.
What about TMC complaints of-
1. Video evidence of BJP candidate distributing cash
2. Cash coupons distributed to attend BJP meetings and vote.
Gentlemen - at least keep up the farce of impartiality!"