EC bans Mamata Banerjee from campaigning for 24 hours

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Monday slapped a 24 hours ban on Mamata Banerjee from campaigning in any manner.

She has been disallowed not to campaign from 8 pm of April 12 (Tuesday) till 8 pm of April 13 (Wednesday).

The poll panel in its order said West Bengal Chief Minister Banerjee has in “violation” of provisions of Model Code of Conduct… “made insinuating and provocative remarks laden with the serious potential of the breakdown of law and order and thereby adversely affecting the election process”.

“Whereas, the Commission has carefully considered the matter and is of the considered view that Ms Mamata Banerjee, who also happens to be the Chief Minister of the state, ……The Commission hereby condemns such statements portent with serious law and order problems across the state”.

Mamata Banerjee’s Coochbehar speech on April 7 was referred by the poll panel, wherein Mamata had said: “If CAPF creates disturbances, I tell you ladies, a group of you go and restrain (gherao) them while another group will go to cast their votes….”

Predictably, Trinamool Congress has condemned and opposed the EC order. Mamata Banerjee tweeted: “To protest against the undemocratic and unconstitutional decision of the Election Commission of India, I will sit on dharna tomorrow at Gandhi Murti, Kolkata from 12 noon”.

It may be mentioned that on Sunday, April 11, Mamata Banerjee also tweeted saying: “EC should rename MCC as Modi Code of Conduct. BJP can use all its might but NOTHING in this world can stop me from being with my people and sharing their pain.

They can restrict me from visiting my brothers and sisters in Cooch Behar for three days but I WILL be there on the 4th day”.

The EC has imposed a ban on entry of politicians in Cooch Behar for three days with effect from April 10, Saturday.