EC issues show cause notice to BJP candidate PC Sorcar

The Election Commission has issued showcause notice to magician P C Sorcar, BJP candidate from West Bengal's Barasat Lok Sabha constituency, for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"The District Electoral Officer (DEO) has issued showcause notice to P C Sorcar yesterday on the basis of a complaint by the Trinamool Congress candidate from the same constituency Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. Let's see what he (Sorcar) replies," sources from the CEO's office said here today.

The DEOs were earlier directed to take immediate action on any serious complaint. They were also asked to inform the action taken by them to the EC, the sources said.

Without naming the CM, Sorcar had allegedly said during electioneering in his constituency that "those involved in rape cases in the state are called 'dushtu chhele' (naughty boys). If they are raped, what will they say?" Local TMC contestant Ghosh Dastidar, who found it objectionable and violative of the Model Code of Conduct, lodged complaint with the EC demanding action against Sorcar.

"Such a remark against the CM is highly objectionable and violative of the MCC. We demand immediate action against the BJP candidate," Ghosh Dastidar said, adding, "We wonder how a responsible person becomes so irresponsible about his comment against a woman chief minister."

Admitting the DEO's communication, sources in the CEO's office said, "We are waiting for a reply from the BJP candidate. The Commission will then take action."