EC has learnt a lesson in parliamentary democracy: Biman Basu

Kolkata, May 11 (UNI) Left Front Chairman Biman Basu today made a dig on the Election Commission, noting that it must have now realised that polls in West Bengal have always been fair though they are held differently in the state.

''Elections are always fair in the state. The result is just a reflection of the truth,'' he told reporters while addressing a press meet at Alimuddin Street this evening.

''The EC has learnt first hand about the way polls take place in Bengal. The only thing is they spent a huge amount of money to gain this experience,'' he said.

''I have got reports that the central Paramilitary forces have said that Bengal is very peaceful and with no problem at all. They are also impressed with our party. Maybe when they go back home, they will start following the CPI(M),'' he said.

Mr Basu further said some of the Election Observers were ''stubborn'' and had come with a pre-conceived notion. ''But many of them whom I know personally said this was the first time that thay were called to Delhi by the EC to give directives, advice and suggestions on how to treat the party which did not conduct polls in a proper manner.'' ''I hope that has been answered too. The EC would have realised that it was wrong,'' he added.

The left Front Chairman further said he was grateful to the people for returning the Left to power with such a huge mandate. ''I am grateful to the people for supporting our cause,'' he said.

Mr Basu also added that now the priority was to push forward the party is agenda in its election manifesto. ''We would like to keep the progress undeterred. We will also be careful that peace is maintained across the state.'' UNI BA RR/ SB VV1957