The opposition leaders particularly from the BJP have been alleging that their nominees have been unable to file nominations because of incidents of violence, ahead of the Bengal panchayat polls. They have also approached the Election Commission and courts to complain.
Abhishek Banerjee on Bengal Panchayat Polls
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said, “Data shows that till now the opposition has filed a number of nominations in all districts. The point that the opposition is raising is not right…We have not stopped anyone from filing nominations. We will submit all our nominations tomorrow.” He also said, “If they have problems submitting nominations, they can tell me.”
Till date, the opposition candidates have filed 80,000 nominations and the TMC only 10,000, he added. “First is the BJP with 37,564 nominations, the second is CPI(M) with 30,249, and then the Congress with 7,369,” the TMC leader said.
Also read | Assam: Clean chit to former chief minister Prafulla Mahanta in ‘secret killings’ Case
Abhishek Banerjee is in the last lap of his Nabo Jowar Yatra. He is also going to various places in the South 24 Parganas district.
TMC insiders articulate that the party’s scheme is that its contenders will file nominations on the last day to eradicate discontented nominees from changing sides.
The BJP, however, rejected the TMC national general secretary’s assertions.
Leader of the opposition in the assembly Suvendu Adhikari said, “In various places, they are not allowing. State Election Commission is working on behalf of the TMC. We will bring all those to the Kolkata SEC office to file nomination.”
BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar reached the State Election Commission’s office with people who were unable to file their nominations from the North 24 Parganas on Wednesday.
And thus, Thursday will be the last day for filing nominations for the Bengal panchayat polls. All eyes will be on how many seats go uncontested.
For more latest political news, click here.
