In a development, which reveals the scant regard for democratic values and the importance of holding free and fair elections, the Election Commission has ordered strict surveillance of Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal to ensure free and fair polling.
As the last phase of polling in West Bengal is underway, in a major embarrassment for the Trinamool Congress, the Election Commission has issued orders to keep party leader Anubrata Mondal under the strict surveillance of the executive magistrate and CAPF from 5 pm on 27th April till 30th April, 7 am to ensure free and fair polling.
News 18 quoted an official saying that the decision was taken after the chief electoral officer received “several complaints against Mondal”.
The official said, “In view of the feedback received from various sources and as per the report of the DEO and SP, Birbhum, the commission has directed that Mondal be under strict surveillance of the executive magistrate and CAPF for ensuring free and fair elections.” The official added that during the period, videography would be conducted “with date and stamping”.
However, this is not the first time Mondal has had to face the ignominy of being placed under surveillance. The TMC leader was placed under similar surveillance during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2016 assembly polls.
The Central Bureau of Investigation, in a cross-border cattle smuggling case, summoned Mandal to appear before it earlier on Tuesday for questioning with the TMC communicating to the Central agency that Mandal would not be able to appear for the summons before the conclusion of the West Bengal elections.
During a meeting of party workers and candidates in Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “I asked him (Mandal) to inform them that he would be able to visit their office only after the polling process is over. He is president of the TMC’s district unit, and cannot be summoned all of a sudden in the middle of the elections. In the past, too, he was put under surveillance by the EC during polls. Such harassment shouldn’t be allowed.”
It is shocking to say the least, that Mandal who has been constantly flagged as a major hindrance against ensuring free and fair elections, continues to enjoy the support of Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress. If Mamata and the TMC had any regard for India’s democratic fabric or truly wanted to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections, they would have booted out Mandal long ago.