CPI(M) lodges protest against another poll observer

Kolkata, Apr 26 (UNI) Encouraged by the Election Comission's prompt action against expenditure observer of Belgachia East constituency H R Bhimashankar, CPI(M)'s West Bengal state committee has also lodged strong protest against certain remarks made by the other observer in the same constituency.

In a strongly worded letter to Chief Election Commissiioner B B Tandon with a copy to state Chief Electoral Offier (CEO) Debashis Sen, CPI(M) state committee alleged that EC observer of 139 Belgachia East Assembly Constituency Durga Charan Sahu had commented before an electronic channel that ''if required repoll would be held in the constituency.'' Claiming that such comment was tantamount to gross violation of EC guidelines and election code of conduct, the CPI(M) state committee questioned whether an observer made a comment like that and felt that this sort of dialogue was definitely out of the jurisdiction of any oberver deputed by the EC.

'' Moreover, this type of utterances are uncalled for and may influence the electorate, '' the party observed in its letter to the CEC and demanded immediate and appropriate action against Mr Sahu too.

Incidentally, earlier today following a similar protest lodged by the CPI(M) against EC expenditure observer of Belgachia East constituency Bhimshankar for his alleged remarks, the Commission had replaced him forthwith boosting the morale of party workers.

UNI ABA SJC/ PA BST1900