Cong urges SEC to investigate CPI(M)'s 'hooliganism' in Panch polls

Kolkata, May 31 (UNI) The West Bengal Congress today alleged that in more than 50 blocks of West Midnapore, Hooghly, Bankura and some parts of Burdwan districts no Opposition candidate could file nomination paper for the Panchayat elections due to the alleged hooliganism of the ruling CPI(M).

''We have been pointing out to the state administration and the State Election Commission since 2001 that the armed goons of the CPI(M), patronised by police and the a administration, are wreaking havoc,'' CLP leader Manas Bhuniya told newspersons here.

He said about 7000 candidates were declared elected unopposed in favour of the CPI(M) in 2003, while the figure this time was 2800 and of them 1500 candidates belonged to the CPI(M) only in West Midnapore and Hooghly district.

''How in a parliamentary democratic system the grassroot level representative can be declared elected unopposed in absence of Opposition candidates ?'' Mr Bhuniya asked.

''Today we have sent a letter to State Election Commissioner Ashoke Gupta and urged him for investigate the matter to stop this unprecedented happening,'' he stated.

UNI AKM SJC SP BST2008