Kolkata, April 2 (IANS) Tension erupted in front of the office of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Thursday as Trinamool Congress workers and supporters staged a protest over multiple allegations regarding Form 6.
The protest began on Tuesday. The situation became tense on Thursday as well. A large contingent of police and central forces was deployed in the area to avoid any untoward situation.
Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee had alleged that the names of voters from BJP-ruled states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, are being included in West Bengal's voter list by submitting Form 6.
He raised this allegation during his visit to the CEO’s office on Monday.
The Trinamool leader alleged that BJP leaders entered the commission with sacks filled with Form 6. An FIR was filed in this regard at the Hare Street police station.
Later, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also raised the issue and wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
She alleged that the BJP, in connivance with the Election Commission, is trying to infiltrate Bengal’s voter list with outsiders from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
After this, Trinamool activists and supporters staged protests outside the CEO’s office. However, the commission sent a strong message about the protests, stating, “Such anti-social activities will not be tolerated.”
Trinamool activists and supporters gathered in front of the CEO's office on Tuesday night. A sit-in protest was held. The police officers present there spoke to them. Later, the protesters moved a little farther away.
Tensions flared up in the area once again on Wednesday morning. After Tuesday and Wednesday, the area in front of the CEO's office heated up again today, with the allegations related to Form 6 still in the air.
As a result, a large number of police and central forces have been deployed at the scene. Barricades have been put up to prevent them from reaching the CEO's office. The situation remained tense till final reports came in.
--IANS
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