Election Commission

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on June 2 demanded a Disaster Management Act notice against PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the Election Commission for allegedly aggravating COVID-19 situation. "When the PM should have been asking people to stay home and wear masks, he was publicly speaking," said Banerjee. This comes after the Centre sent a notice to Mamata Banerjee's chief adviser Alapan Bandyopadhyay for skipping a PM-chaired… read-more

The Supreme Court on May 6 termed the Madras High Court's oral observations on the Election Commission as harsh and inappropriate. The apex court said that judges of superior courts should exercise restraint and avoid ‘off the cuff’ remarks during proceedings. Earlier on April 26, the Madras HC alleging the EC of being solely responsible for the second wave of COVID-19, warned to frame EC officials with murder charges.

In a view of the current COVID-19 situations, the Congress party has decided not to participate in the television debates post counting in five states. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on May 1 stated, "When Govt under PM Modi has collapsed, we find it unacceptable to not hold them accountable and instead discuss election wins and losses." However, the party said it would be available for giving statements to media.

The Election Commission has mandated a COVID-19 negative RT-PCR report or vaccination certificate for candidates and agents to enter the counting centres. Ahead of the May 2 vote counting, the Commission barred any gatherings outside the centres. Ensuring protective medical items for counting agents, the Commission sought candidates to provide list of agents three days before counting. EC said violators will be dealt under Disaster Management… read-more

Late TMC leader Kajal Sinha's wife Nandita Sinha has lodged a complaint against Deputy Election Commissioner Sudip Jain and other EC officials. Nandita has alleged that her husband's death, which occurred due to COVID-19 on April 25, was the result of the EC's negligence towards COVID-19 protocols during the West Bengal Assembly elections. Besides, she also accused central paramilitary forces of deliberately failing to ensure compliance of… read-more