CEC took cognizance of violence in Bengal, put responsibility on police

Kolkata: Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on Tuesday said no financial irregularities will be tolerated in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal and asked central agencies to rely on their own networks instead of relying on state agencies.

The full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI) held a meeting with state bureaucrats, where Kumar said the Director General of Police will be held accountable for any untoward incident during the electoral exercise. The commission suggested involving the Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate to keep an eye on suspicious financial transactions in the upcoming elections in Bengal.

“District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police have been directed to maintain complete impartiality, transparency and accessibility to all political parties to ensure a fair electoral process. There is no room for fear or intimidation in the coming elections. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated at all in this celebration of democracy.
He said that adequate number of central forces will be deployed in Bengal. DM and SP will be mainly responsible for peaceful elections.