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BJP Accuses Trinamool of MCC Violation in Bally Over Religious Event

The Election Commission is investigating Trinamool Congress candidate Kailash Mishra for allegedly organizing a religious 'naam-sankirtan' event to influence voters in the Bally constituency, which the BJP claims violates the Model Code of Conduct. Mishra defended the event, accusing the BJP of using the EC and administration to stop it and hurt religious sentiments for political gain. EC officials visited the site to check for proper permits, with the event reportedly still ongoing as a decision is awaited. The Bally constituency in Howrah district is scheduled to vote in the second phase of assembly polls on April 29.

Key Points: EC Probes Trinamool's Religious Event for MCC Violation in Bally

  • EC probes alleged MCC violation
  • BJP files complaint against Trinamool candidate
  • Event held without prior permission
  • Trinamool accuses BJP of hurting religious sentiments
  • Bally polls in second phase on April 29
2 min read

BJP accuses Trinamool of violating MCC in Bally constituency by holding religious event; EC probes

Election Commission investigates Trinamool candidate Kailash Mishra for allegedly using a religious event to influence voters in Bally, Howrah.

"They are using the Election Commission and the administration to stop our event. - Kailash Mishra"

Kolkata, April 13

After receiving complaints of alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct by a Trinamool candidate by organising religious events, Election Commission officials went to Bali in Howrah district to probe the matter, said Commission officials on Monday.

The BJP alleged that Trinamool candidate Kailash Mishra from Bali organised a 'naam-sankirtan' to influence voters. The candidate's name is in the 'sankirtan' event.

After receiving the complaint, election officials went to inspect the 'sankirtan' event on the spot with the central forces on Sunday evening. They enquired and wanted to see if there was a permit.

The Trinamool has targeted the BJP over this incident.

As polling day approaches, the political heat is increasing in Bali.

BJP candidate Sanjay Singh alleged that his rival candidate organised a religious event in front of the Trinamool office, showing complete disregard for the Election Commission's rules.

The stage banner also has the name of the Trinamool candidate.

According to Election Commission norms, a candidate is barred from organising religious events unless special permission is obtained beforehand.

Receiving the complaint, the Commission went to the spot and asked the organisers for administrative permission.

According to a Trinamool leader, their candidate Kailash spoke to the Commission officials and they said that if there is no permission, the event will have to be stopped.

Kailash claimed that the BJP is trying to hurt the religious sentiments of the people only for political gains. He said, "They are using the Election Commission and the administration to stop our event. The common people have joined the religious event. The BJP is opposing it."

According to local sources, the event is still ongoing and a decision over the matter is awaited.

A BJP leader however claimed that organising a religious event amounts to violation of the Model Code of Conduct which is in force for the Assembly polls. Bally constituency in Howrah district goes to polls in the second phase on April 29.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

M
Meera T
As a voter from West Bengal, I see this all the time. Both parties do it. The BJP is pointing fingers now, but they are not saints either. The EC should be impartial and enforce rules equally for everyone.
A
Aman W
'Naam-sankirtan' is a beautiful spiritual practice. Using it for political gains is just wrong. It hurts the sentiments of genuine devotees. Politics should stay away from our places of worship and religious events.
S
Sarah B
The rules seem straightforward – you need permission. If they didn't get it, the event should be stopped. It's that simple. The EC's probe needs to be swift and transparent.
K
Karthik V
Typical blame game before elections. The real issue is development in Bally. Instead of fighting over events, candidates should tell us their plans for roads, water, and jobs. That's what we want to hear.
P
Priyanka N
The candidate's name on the banner says it all. It's an advertisement, not just a religious gathering. The EC must be strong and not let anyone misuse religion for votes. Our democracy deserves better.

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