First time in India’s electoral history, EC invokes Art 324 curtailing campaigning in WB after violence

New Delhi, May 16: There is a saying in hindi, ‘Khud Ke Paao Pe Kulhadi Maarna..’and this proves right in true sense after all the drama in West Bengal. In an unprecedented action in India’s electoral history, the Election Commission on Wednesday invoked Article 324 to curtail the campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies. This curtailment comes just a day before the actual scheduled deadline as the campaigning will end at 10 pm on Thursday.

 

The decision of the Election Commission came in the wake of Tuesday's violence between BJP and TMC workers in Kolkata. Hurling bricks, vandalizing cars, burning properties, the road show saw one of the most dreadful violence so far.

Calling a press conference on a short notice, the Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra Bhushan Kumar said that campaigning for the last phase will end at 10 pm on Thursday. He also mentioned that it was for the first time the poll panel has taken such an action using constitutional powers.

Addressing the press conference, Kumar said, “This would be the first time when EC has invoked Article 324 in this manner but it may not be the last in cases of repetition of lawlessness and violence which vitiate the conduct of polls in a peaceful and orderly manner.”

"Now, therefore, the Election Commission of India, in exercise of its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution ...hereby directs that no person shall convene, hold, attend, join or address any public meeting or procession in connection with the election," the eight-page order read.

The Election Commission also ordered the removal of Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajeev Kumar from their postings in West Bengal. Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, who is in-charge of West Bengal, said Bhattacharya "stands relieved" from his current charge immediately, "for having interfered in the process of conducting elections" by directing the state chief electoral officer, which he was not supposed do. The state chief secretary will look after the charge of the home secretary.

The order also barred any musical concert, theatrical performance to attract people in connection with the polls. It said liquor or similar intoxicants cannot be served in election going areas in bars, hotels and shops during the ban period.

The commission said it has been brought to its notice of that there were growing incidents of disruption and violence during the political campaigns and processions in West Bengal during the ongoing elections.