Did Modi, Shah want 8-phase polls, asks Didi
Kolkata, Feb. 26: Questioning the eight-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that she suspects that the dates were announced as per the suggestions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah for better management of the BJP’s poll campaign.
Addressing a press conference at her residence in Kalighat, Ms Banerjee said the EC should not look at the state “through the eyes of the saffron camp” — a reference to the BJP.
“With all due respect to the EC, I want to say that questions are being raised on why elections will be held in so many phases in Bengal while other states will be voting in one phase. If EC doesn’t provide justice to the people, where will the people go,” she said.
Kolkata, Feb. 26: Questioning the eightphase assembly elections in West Bengal, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that she suspects that the dates were announced as per the suggestions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah for better management of the BJP’s poll campaign.
Addressing a press conference at her residence in Kalighat, Ms Banerjee said the Election Commission should not look at the state “through the eyes of the saffron camp” a reference to the BJP.
“With all due respect to the Election Commission, I want to say that questions are being raised on why elections will be held in so many phases in Bengal while other states will be voting in one phase. If EC doesn’t provide justice to the people, where will the people go,” she said. “I request the Election Commission to consider West Bengal as their own state,” the Trinamul Congress chief said. Ms Banerjee also raised questions on the way the phases were divided.
“They have divided our stronghold districts such as South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas into three parts. This is unprecedented,” she said.
Ms Banerjee said that despite “all these tricks”, she will win the elections.
“I have information from my sources that the poll dates are similar to the ones BJP wanted. Have the dates been announced as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s suggestions? The PM and the home minister cannot misuse their power for the state elections,” she added.
Ms Banerjee also urged the EC to stop the misuse of money power.
“The Union home minister should work for the country.
He cannot misuse his powers for the elections here. We welcome the PM, but he cannot misuse his powers for West Bengal polls,” she said.