Mamata violated model code of conduct: Left to EC

Kolkata, March 16 (IANS) The Left Front has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against the Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by announcing "her party's programme from the state secretariat."

The Left Front delegation, led by CPI-M state Secretariat member Rabin Deb, met Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Jain, here on Saturday, and urged him to take action against Banerjee and her party leaders for violating the code of conduct.

"Banerjee and her party leaders have violated the electoral code of conduct. After the declaration of the elections by the Election Commission, she announced her party's programme from the state secretariat, Nabanna, on March 11. This is a violation of the model code of conduct," Deb told IANS.

He also held state Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim responsible for violating the code of conduct through his comments.

"Hakim said central forces had been deployed for the elections only, but the state and city police would protect citizens round the year. This is a violation," Deb said.

According to the Left parties, "even some state Ministers were present" at the ruling Trinamool Congress sit-ins against the Election Commission in the city.

Also, certain Trinamool leaders, like Anubrata Mondal, were "making intimidating comments" in public, the Left Front alleged.

"We have told the EC unless they take adequate steps against these people, it will be difficult to build confidence among voters in West Bengal and hold free and fair polls," it said.