Nilotpal Basu writes to the CEC

Date: 
Friday, March 29, 2019

Nilotpal Basu writes to the CEC regarding various issues including attacks on candidates by the ruling party in Tripura

Shri Nilotpal Basu, member of the Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has written to the Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India regarding various issues, including attacks on candidates by the ruling party in Tripura.  We are releasing the text of the letter for publication.

(Hari Singh Kang)

For CPI(M) Central Committee office

Dear Shri. Arora ji,

With a deep sense of anguish, I will draw your attention to this letter written to you by the CPI(M) candidate Shri. Shankar Prasad Dutta, from 1- Tripura West parliamentary constituency dated March 28, 2019. (Copy attached).

It is quite apparent, that our interaction with the Commission with the delegation led by our General Secretary, Shri. Sitaram Yechury, has not been able to evoke any tangible response on the ground. We had complained against the antecedents of the Returning Officer of the constituency whose act of stopping the publication of the CPI(M) mouthpiece in the state was reversed by the High Court. Even after such a judicial stricture, which clearly established his bias against the main opposition party, CPI(M), he continues to be on duty as the Returning Officer. This is clearly against the convention followed so far by the Election Commission, for ensuring a level playing field.

Further, we have seen series of completely unlawful and violent attacks by the ruling party on the candidate himself, as well as, on different campaign programmes and election offices of the candidate.  Now the letter underlines the horrific situation. Meanwhile, I had also forwarded to you the video clip of Shri. Biplab Deb’s speech which underlines his direct threat against the opposition. In such a context, if the R.O. is not relieved of his responsibility and meaningful measurers undertaken to ensure an obstruction and destruction free campaign for the CPI(M) candidate in the state, holding of free and fair polls will not be possible. I dare say, that this responsibility  is the precise contention of Article 324 for ensuring what we are asking for.

I would also use this opportunity to thank you and the Commission for your stand on the issue of electoral bonds in the Supreme Court.

Please let us know of the measures you are contemplating/initiating to ensure a free and fair polls in Tripura. You may also suggest to us as to how we could further cooperate with you to ensure a free and fair election, while exercising our constitutional right of having a level playing field and a free and fair poll.

With regards,

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely

Sd/-

Nilotpal Basu

Member, Polit Bureau, CPI(M)