Election can be held in Darjeeling hills, says EC observer

Siliguri (WB), Feb 17 (PTI) An Election Commissionobserver has said the situation in Darjeeling hills was rightfor holding polls.

EC observer Sudhir Kumar Rakesh, who led a six-member ECteam to the hills, said there was no reason as to why theAssembly election cannot be hold.

Rakesh, who is Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar, saidyesterday that the team would submit a detailed report to theEC so that it can take an appropriate decision.

The remarks of Rakesh came against the backdrop of seniorCPI-M leader and state minister Ashok Bhattacharya claimingthat the situation in Darjeeling was not conducive forAssembly poll.

The hills are witnessing violent protests by GorkhaJanamukti Morcha (GJM), which is spearheading an agitation forstatehood.