EC censures Giriraj Singh for controversial comments

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has “censured” Union minister Giriraj Singh for his comments during a poll rally at Bihar’s Begusarai on April 24. The poll body has additionally sent him a strict warning, asking him to remain careful in his future public appearances. After a poll rally at GD College in Begusarai on April 24, a video clip emerged where Singh is heard saying, “.. those who cannot say Vande Mataram, those who cannot worship their motherland, the nation will not forgive them. Giriraj’s father, grandfather were cremated in Simariya Ghat where they became one with the soil. And, you need three arm-lengths of land.” Consequently, Singh was issued a show cause notice by the poll body after Bihar CEO took cognisance of the video. An FIR was filed against him.

EC replaces Bankura district magistrate after clashes

NEW DELHI: The EC on Sunday appointed 2008 batch IAS officer Mukta Arya as the new district magistrate and district election officer for Bankura in West Bengal, removing Uma Shankar from the post. The transfer followed complaints against DM-CUM-DEO Shankar after a clash between TMC and BJP workers on Sunday. Arya has been asked to join immediately.

Supriyo’s security personnel vehicles attacked in Bengal

NORTH 24 PARGANAS: Union minister Babul Supriyo on Sunday alleged that his security personnel’s vehicles were attacked with stones by the TMC ‘goons’. He said that he had gone for a rally for BJP candidate Sayantan Basu and while returning the attack took place.

The perpetrators of the attack have been taken to a detention place near Basirhat city, police said.