The All India Trinamool Congress on Wednesday moved the Election Commission, alleging that BJP leader Dilip Ghosh violated the Model Code of Conduct with remarks that it described as “threatening” in nature.
In its complaint to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the party said Ghosh’s statements targeted its leaders and workers and could potentially create tension among residents in parts of Kolkata, including Kalighat and Chetla.
The Trinamool Congress said the remarks, which are being widely circulated, were made after the Model Code came into force in West Bengal. It argued that such statements run counter to provisions that bar political parties and candidates from aggravating differences or inciting hostility during the election period.
The party also flagged references allegedly made to specific locations, saying this amounted to a direct violation of the code’s safeguards for public order.
Ghosh, meanwhile, criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her stand against institutions such as the Election Commission and the judiciary, and described the upcoming election as a “vote for change”.
The BJP leader is contesting from the Kharagpur Sadar constituency, which he had won in 2016.
West Bengal is set to witness a closely watched contest, including a high-profile face-off between Mamata Banerjee and BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur. Adhikari will also contest from Nandigram, where he had defeated Banerjee in 2021.
The Trinamool Congress has announced candidates for most seats, while the BJP has released its first list of nominees.
Polling in the state will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
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