West Bengal Elections 2016: EC-TMC feud intensifies, Birbhum strongman under close watch

A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a showcause notice to Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for violating the poll code, the poll panel placed Birbhum District President Anubrata Mondal under close watch.

The commission will keep a close watch on Monday by deploying a magistrate, half section of Central Force and two units of videographers with immediate effect, who will move around with him at all times. This team will keep him under the scanner round the clock and the magistrate will send compliance reports at regular intervals to the commission.

However, speaking to reporters after this order was issued, Mondal said, “I do not know why commission took this grave step. But, nothing can affect votes that will be cast in favour of the Trinamool Congress. I am confident that people will vote for us.” 

This decision of the commission comes after political parties levelled allegations against Mondal that he and his men would not allow peaceful and smooth voting in the region at the full bench meeting with the commission.

Opposition parties also claim that Mondal had allegedly threatened voters openly and warned them of 'vanishing them' if they do not vote for his party. Political parties add that Birbhum district of Bengal has become a hotbed of violence with reports of clashes every now and then.