By NIRENDRA DEV
— The Election Commission has intensified its crackdown in West Bengal’s politically sensitive Diamond Harbour, widely seen as the stronghold of Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, by ordering strict action against police officers accused of partisan conduct.
EC Scans Diamond Harbour Model: ‘Partisan’ Cops Under Lens
In an unprecedented move during the ongoing Assembly elections, the poll panel directed Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala to submit a detailed report on the activities of Additional SP Sandip Garai to his cadre-controlling authority, the Union Home Ministry. This marks the first such directive in the current election cycle, signalling heightened scrutiny.
Simultaneously, the Commission ordered the suspension of five officers, including Garai, SDPO Sajal Mondal, and key police station heads from Falta, Diamond Harbour, and Usthi. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against them for allegedly acting in favour of the ruling Trinamool Congress.
The EC also issued a warning to Diamond Harbour SP Ishani Pal for failing to ensure neutrality among her subordinates.
‘Diamond Harbour Model’ Faces Test
Diamond Harbour, located on Kolkata’s southern fringes, has long been projected as a governance showcase by Abhishek Banerjee, encompassing infrastructure, welfare delivery, and political management—often dubbed the “Diamond Harbour model.”
However, the Commission’s sweeping action suggests it views the seven Assembly segments under this Lok Sabha constituency—Falta, Diamond Harbour, Satgachia, Bishnupur, Mahestala, Budge Budge, and Metiabruz—as highly vulnerable to electoral malpractices.
A senior EC official remarked that urgent intervention was required to ensure free and fair polling in the region, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.
In a parallel development, the EC also ordered the suspension of the officer-in-charge of Hingalganj police station in North 24 Parganas after examining reports of alleged bias and links with “local elements.”
Bhabanipur Turns Political Flashpoint
Even as the EC tightened oversight, political tensions escalated in Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari held rallies within close proximity, triggering clashes between supporters.Politics
Banerjee cut short her address, citing disruptions and slogans from a nearby BJP gathering. “It is insulting and humiliating… I will not be able to address you now,” she said before leaving the stage, promising to return the next day.
The BJP, led by figures like Amit Shah and party IT cell head Amit Malviya, accused Banerjee of losing composure amid signs of electoral decline.
Timeless Democracy : 1971 cartoon tells a story 'retold'
TMC leaders, however, termed the incident a deliberate attempt to disrupt their campaign and evoke intimidation. Electoral Stakes Rise
Bhabanipur, a key Kolkata seat, is witnessing a high-stakes contest between Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari.
The contest has gained further intensity after the deletion of nearly 51,000 voters—around 21% of the electorate—following the EC’s Special Intensive Revision.
Meanwhile, internal dissent within the TMC appears to be surfacing. Party MLA Bayron Biswas publicly expressed fears of defeat in multiple constituencies, citing concerns over strongroom arrangements and alleged irregularities.
The Election Commission’s assertive stance in Diamond Harbour and beyond indicates a zero-tolerance approach toward perceived bias, setting the stage for a fiercely contested and closely monitored electoral battle in West Bengal.
courtesy - The Raisina Hills
ends
No comments:
Post a Comment