Calcutta High Court Intervenes in TMC's Election Observer Complaint

The Calcutta High Court has requested that the Election Commission address a complaint by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding a police observer's conduct during assembly elections in South 24 Parganas district. The TMC alleges the observer met a BJP candidate in violation of election norms.

According to the TMC, the observer held a private and unofficial meeting with a BJP candidate at a government-owned tourist lodge in Diamond Harbour, demanding the officer's removal from duties in four constituencies. The Election Commission clarified that the meeting was official, taking place at a designated conference room.

Justice Krishna Rao has asked the Election Commission to handle the TMC's complaint and inform the petitioner of the decision. Senior advocate D S Naidu, representing the Election Commission, stated the observer's role is to interact with the public and candidates to gather information for the commission, dismissing the allegations of impropriety.

(With inputs from agencies.)