5-phase election in WB for fair polls

Guwahati, Mar 7: Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon today (Mar 7, 2006) said that the EC's decision to go for five-phase polls in West Bengal, having 294 assembly seats, was to achieve its sole objective of free and fair polls.

Replying to queries from the media here, Mr Tandon said, ''We take into account all relevant aspects and ground realities before deciding on the election schedule. Based on the ground realities in West Bengal we decided on a five-phase poll schedule to ensure free and fair polls in that state.'' The CEC, accompanied by two other members of the Commission, N Gopalaswami and N B Chawla, was on a two-day visit to the state to assess the situation before the April assembly polls.

The Commission, besides taking the views of various recognized political parties, had a meeting with top police and civil officials and issued instructions to ensure free and fair election.

The Election Commission has made it clear that it had 'zero level tolerance' in respect of violation of the model code of conduct by anybody including political parties, politicians, officials and Government agencies.

UNI