People's Democracy

'Take Action Against Observer'

Karat Writes To CEC

Following is the text of the letter addressed by the CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat to the chief election commissioner B B Tandon on April 26, 2006 regarding the unwarranted remarks of Bhimashankar, expenditure observer to the Belgachia East assembly constituency in West Bengal. At the time of going to press, we received the news that the EC took action on this complaint and removed Bhimashankar as observer.

I WISH to draw your attention to the remarks made by Bhimashankar who has been deputed as the expenditure observer for 139 Belgachia East assembly constituency. On  April 25, 2006 at a media conference, Bhimashankar stated that the Belgachia East constituency is the most 'notorious' constituency in West Bengal and that there has been no free and fair elections conducted there.

I am enclosing a copy of the complaint sent to you by the secretary of the West Bengal state committee of the CPI(M) in this regard.

These remarks have come just before the polling in the constituency on April 27. Such remarks, broadcast through the media, will vitiate the atmosphere and is a blatant attempt to influence public opinion in the constituency.

I would therefore request you to take immediate action to remove Bhimashankar from his responsibilities in the constituency and initiate steps to take action against him.