Kolkata, Aug 7 (UNI) In a blistering attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee today accused the poll body of acting as an “extended arm of the BJP” and grossly overstepping its constitutional jurisdiction by interfering in the affairs of the West Bengal government well ahead of the assembly election announcement.
Banerjee alleged that the ECI was interfering in the functioning of the West Bengal government nearly a year ahead of the state assembly elections which he claimed was aimed at crippling the elected administration and benefiting the ruling party at the Centre.
“The ECI is acting beyond its jurisdiction. Its responsibility begins only when the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect. After that, it can take over the state’s civil and criminal/police administrative machinery to ensure that the election is free, fair, and impartial.But the work they have started for the past 3–4 months,when the election is still 10–11 months away, clearly shows that since they will not allow an elected government to function, they have done this. It has been done to give favours and advantages to the BJP,”Banerjee said at the city airport.
He alleged that they (Centre) have denied Bengal its rights and, at the same time, misused the judiciary.
“They have used a section of the media to defame Bengal by using a case like Sandeshkhali. Now they are using the ECI so that genuine Bengalis cannot exercise their right to vote. The ECI has taken on this shameless role so that they can snatch away the voting rights of these people. This is not within the ECI’s jurisdiction anymore. They should have informed the State about their actions because this is an elected government,”Banerjee continued.
Banerjee, the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said that the people had voted the TMC to power in 2021, and the government was accountable only to them and not to any political party or the Centre.
“We respect the judiciary, but since 2021, over 50 CBI investigations have been conducted through different benches of the Calcutta High Court, using the Centre’s influence to undermine Bengal and keep AITC under pressure,” he pointed out.
He said the state was also defamed and attacked nationally over the RG Kar case. But when the CBI took over, it failed to improve upon what the Kolkata Police had already achieved within 24 hours.
“Those who are trying to belittle Bengal have been answered in the past and will be taught a lesson again. But the BJP never learns from its mistakes.They have stopped all funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission. All the money has been blocked. Water is life. Even that has been stopped. How will the people survive?” said Banerjee, who has been named the leader of the AITC Parliamentary Party.
He also charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a foreign policy failure after the Donald Trump administration imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods exported to the USA.
When asked about the 50 percent tariff, Banerjee responded:“Ask these questions to the one who has pictures with him. Ask these questions to the one because of whom Donald Trump came here to campaign, and to those who went to Texas in 2019 to campaign for Trump.
“A 50 percent tariff has been imposed on India, and it will have consequences. Exports will be affected, especially in three industries — IT, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. The services around these sectors will also be impacted. Employment will decline, and the Indian economy will suffer. I believe this is a diplomatic failure, and India should respond firmly to this,” Banerjee said.
“Those who want to weaken India and create pressure, how did they suddenly become so powerful? The government, which used to boast about its ‘56-inch chest,’ has been snubbed by China, the US, and many other countries,” the Diamond Harbour MP said.
“Neither Mamata Banerjee nor Trinamool invited Donald Trump. We did not go and campaign for him. I am quoting PM Modi: ‘I present to you, my friend and India’s friend, Donald Trump.’ Did I, Mamata Banerjee, or any member of the Opposition say this?” Banerjee said.
