BJP and TMC move poll body in audio clip issue

Kolkata, April 17: Both the BJP and the Trinamul Congress on Saturday approached the West Bengal CEO with their demands on the purported audio link in which chief minister Mamata Banerjee is heard suggesting a rally with bodies of those killed in CISF firing during polling on April 10.

While the saffron party urged chief electoral officer (CEO) Aariz Aftab to take note of the purported audiotape claiming it could lead to untoward situations in the next phases of the Assembly elections, the TMC demanded action against those who released it “violating rules”. Aftab said that the audio clip was sent to the EC which is looking into the matter.

A controversy erupted on Friday after the BJP released the purported audio clip in which Banerjee is heard telling the TMC nominee of Sitalkuchi to hold a rally with the bodies of the four persons killed in CISF firing during the fourth phase of polling.

Ms Banerjee at an election rally on Saturday alleged that her phone is being tapped and said she will order a CID probe into it. The purported audiotape was released on the eve of the fifth phase of polling to influence voters and the BJP’s Information Technology cell was behind it, former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, who led a TMC delegation, told reporters after meeting the CEO.

Mr Sinha said that it was against the election model code of conduct and the party urged the CEO to take it up with the EC and take action against those who are behind it.