EC seeks report from West Bengal CEO on Mamata Banerjee's ‘threatening’ speech

Kolkata: A major political controversy has erupted amid election fever in West Bengal. The Election Commission on Friday has sought a report from the state Chief Electoral Officer on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's speech on Wednesday. 

What is the case?

The Election Commission has taken a strong stance regarding an alleged video of the state Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee. The controversy relates to a public meeting held on March 25 at the  Nandaprasad Girls’ High School Ground, Naxalbari in Darjeeling.

What did Mamata say in the meeting?

In the meeting, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is allegedly encouraging women to be on guard and use whatever they can, including household items, to “deal with necessary situations”.

“I am giving one responsibility to mothers and sisters. On the election day, till the voting machine does not reach the counting centre, mothers and sisters will have to guard. If you want to live for five years then you have to guard for one day. (You have to ensure) those who came from Delhi can’t give chhappa vote. If they terrorise then, come out with anything that you will find at home, you people do cooking, I need not say anything more,” Banerjee said.

According to the video, EC sources said that it was a threat to the CRPF personnel deployed at polling stations.

The Chief Election Commissioner has sought a detailed report from the state and district election officials.

What action did the Election Commission take?

Following the emergence of this alleged video, the Election Commission has taken the matter very seriously. On Friday, the Commission summoned a factual report from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal on the entire incident. 

According to sources, the state CEO will now direct the District Electoral Officer (DEO) of Darjeeling to investigate the authenticity of the video, ascertain the ground reality, and submit a report as soon as possible.

What is the whole matter?

According to senior Election Commission officials, a video has surfaced in which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is allegedly seen "threatening" Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. 

While addressing a public rally, Banerjee openly appealed to all women and girls to attend polling booths in large numbers. 

According to officials, she also allegedly suggested that women should use household kitchen utensils (such as utensils or other items) to "deal with" the CRPF personnel if necessary.