The Election Commission (EC) has imposed a 24-hour ban on Abhijit Gangopadhyay, a former Calcutta High Court judge and BJP candidate, from campaigning.
The action came over his derogatory remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This ban, effective from 5 pm on Tuesday to 5 pm on Wednesday, follows the EC’s conclusion that the comments made by Abhijit Gangopadhyay violated the Model Code of Conduct.
The ban was prompted by a complaint from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), citing Gangopadhyay’s remarks made during a public meeting in Haldia on May 15.
Abhijit Gangopadhyay, the BJP’s candidate for the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat, had previously responded to a show-cause notice from the EC regarding his “undignified” remarks against Banerjee. The EC determined that his comments were “improper, injudicious, and undignified,” thus breaching the Model Code of Conduct.
In its letter to Abhijit Gangopadhyay, the EC expressed its disapproval, stating, “The Commission has carefully gone through the contents and averments made in the aforesaid reply of Shri Abhijit Gangopadhyay and has again gone through the statement made and is convinced that he has made a low-level personal attack and thus violated the provisions of Model Code of Conduct.”
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The EC emphasised its commitment to upholding the dignity of individuals, noting that Gangopadhyay’s remarks were a direct affront to the “erosion of the status of women in India” and were particularly egregious when directed at a senior political leader and holder of a constitutional position.
The EC expressed disappointment that such “abominable words” came from someone of like Abhijit Gangopadhyay, a person with such educational and professional background. The commission has also issued a strict warning to Abhijit Gangopadhyay to exercise caution in his public statements during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
Reacting to the ban, BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya stated that the Election Commission is working to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling. He acknowledged that the poll panel felt Gangopadhyay’s comment was in poor taste and offensive, but accused the TMC of misinterpreting his remarks. Bhattacharya defended Abhijit Gangopadhyay, describing him as a dignified individual who has fought for people’s rights. He also called on the poll panel to consider statements made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding religious organisations.
The EC’s decision underscores its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that all candidates adhere to the standards of respectful and dignified discourse. As the election period continues, the ban on Abhijit Gangopadhyay highlights the consequences of violating the Model Code of Conduct, particularly in making personal attacks against political opponents.
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