BJP requests EC for changing first phase election dates

Kolkata, Mar 6 (UNI) The West Bengal BJP today appealed to Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon for changing the date set for the first phase of elections in the state from April 17 to any other day.

In an open letter to the CEC in this regard, BJP state General Secretary Rahul Sinha in support of his party's request said because of the coming Higher Secondary and ISC examinations, the political parties in the state were banned from using mike till April 13.

As a result only two days of electioneering were available to them before the first phase of elections in the state on April 17, which was ''grossly inadequate by all yardsticks'', Mr Sinha said and appealed to the CEC to considers change of election date from April 17 ''to any other day before or even after May 8.'' '' We would highly appreciate if you kindly sit with all political parties here and take a fresh look into the dates, '' Mr Sinha in his letter said.

He, however, welcomed the EC's decision to hold elections in West Bengal in five phases instead of one in the wake of the alleged deteriorating law and order situation.

Hailing the Commission's decision to impose a complete ban on wall writing, Mr Sinha, alleged that the ruling parties were not following it and thereby enjoying an undue advantage in terms of election campaign.

About the deployment of central forces on election duty, the BJP leader urged the EC to order their placement by the EC observers only and not by the state machinery like on previous occasions ''to ensure a free and fair poll''.

Incidentally, the party took about a week to send the formal request to the CEC for the change of election date after state BJP President Tathagata Roy indicated about the move last week.

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