Source Live law
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has raised serious concerns over the conduct of the electoral process in West Bengal, alleging that the state’s Chief Minister has been delivering provocative speeches while election officials on the ground are facing intimidation and threats. The poll body conveyed these concerns to the Supreme Court, seeking urgent intervention to ensure free and fair elections.
In its submission, the Election Commission claimed that repeated public statements by the Chief Minister have the potential to influence voters and disrupt the level playing field mandated during the election period. The ECI argued that such remarks undermine the Model Code of Conduct and could inflame tensions during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state.
The Commission also informed the court that several election officials have reported facing pressure, harassment, and threats while carrying out their duties. According to the ECI, these incidents have created an atmosphere of fear, hampering the impartial functioning of the electoral machinery and putting officials’ safety at risk.
Emphasising its constitutional responsibility, the Election Commission told the Supreme Court that it is committed to conducting elections in a transparent and neutral manner, but requires institutional support to deal with what it described as “unprecedented challenges” in West Bengal.
The ECI urged the apex court to issue appropriate directions to the state administration to ensure the safety of election personnel, curb inflammatory rhetoric, and strictly enforce the Model Code of Conduct. The matter is expected to be taken up for detailed hearing, with the court likely to seek responses from the West Bengal government.
The development adds to the ongoing political friction in the state, where elections have often been marked by sharp rhetoric and allegations of violence, keeping the spotlight firmly on the role of constitutional authorities in safeguarding the democratic process.
