ECI Directs Fresh FIRs Against TMC MLAs Over BDO Office Vandalism Incidents
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken decisive action by ordering the registration of fresh First Information Reports (FIRs) against two Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs in connection with separate incidents of vandalism at government offices in West Bengal. The poll body has specifically directed the District Electoral Officer (DEO) of Murshidabad to file an FIR naming TMC MLA Manirul Islam for his alleged involvement in the ransacking of the Block Development Office (BDO) at Farakka last week.
Farakka Incident: Protests Escalate Into Violence
The incident at Farakka, which occurred on January 14, was reportedly sparked by protests from Booth Level Officers (BLOs). These officials alleged that citizens were being repeatedly harassed by demands to produce documents under the SIR hearing process. Several BLOs approached the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) with mass resignation letters, citing immense pressure and anxiety linked to the ongoing revision exercise.
Tensions reached a boiling point when a group of protesters, allegedly led by MLA Manirul Islam, forcibly entered and vandalized the BDO office. Islam claimed that the verification process was biased against members of a particular community and stated that his protest was aimed at safeguarding the interests of common people. In a controversial statement, Islam alleged that the poll body was asking for documents only from Muslims and not Hindus, remarking that "notices were being sent only to Rahim and not Ram."
ECI's Stern Response and Political Reactions
Taking cognizance of the serious nature of the incident, the Election Commission had previously spoken to West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, instructing him to lodge an FIR. While an initial FIR was filed, it did not name MLA Manirul Islam as an accused. The ECI has now issued a fresh directive, specifically ordering that Islam be named in a new FIR and demanding a compliance report by 5 PM.
Reacting to the development, Manirul Islam defended his actions, stating, "I have been elected as an MLA through the votes of the people. If people are being harassed, I will go there as a public representative." In contrast, Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar criticized the situation, asserting that if the BJP were in power in the state, strict action would have been taken against Islam, including the potential use of a bulldozer at his residence.
Itahar Incident: Separate Violence Erupts
In a separate but related development, tension flared at Itahar in Uttar Dinajpur district on Thursday following allegations that a man died by suicide after his wife received a hearing notice. Protesters, allegedly led by local TMC MLA Mosharaf Hossain, vandalized the hearing centre and later blocked National Highway-12 with the body. The Election Commission has directed the DEO to register an FIR against Hossain and submit a detailed report on this incident as well.
Arrested Individuals Released and Felicitated
Meanwhile, in a controversial turn of events, six people arrested in connection with the Farakka vandalism were released on bail. They were later felicitated with garlands in the presence of local leader Kausar Ali, highlighting the polarized political climate in the region. Despite the EC's directive, reports indicate that no fresh FIR had been registered against Islam until late evening, raising questions about the implementation of the poll body's orders.
The Election Commission's firm stance underscores its commitment to maintaining law and order during the electoral process, even as political tensions continue to simmer in West Bengal. These incidents reflect the broader challenges of ensuring fair and peaceful elections in a highly charged political environment.
