Union Minister asks Election Commission to take steps to check violence on poll counting day

Union minister AH Khan Chowdhury today expressed fears of violence in West Bengal by Trinamool Congress (TMC) during counting of votes on Friday and asked the Election Commission to take preventive measures.

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath, he referred to the violent incidents during polling and alleged "the TMC is planning to indulge in rigging of elections during counting too, with the help of the state police... the TMC has openly declared that they are planning to do this."

Urging the poll panel to ensure the presence of central paramilitary forces at counting centres, the Congress leader, who is contesting from Malda South Lok Sabha seat, said while state government officials would be involved in the counting process, "not a single state police constable should be allowed near these centres." The Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare asked the EC to instruct district authorities, including in Malda where TMC "is likely to create more trouble", to take all steps to ensure that no one is allowed to play with the people's verdict.

All major political parties like Congress, BJP and the Left parties have complained of large-scale violence, booth capturing and rigging by the TMC in the last three phases of polls.