New Delhi: The Election Commission Thursday evening imposed a 24-hour campaign ban on the BJP's West Bengal president Dilip Ghosh for his "there will be Sitalkuchi in several places" remarks.
The ban will in effect from 7 pm April 15 to 7 pm April 16, during which Ghosh will not be allowed to campaign.
Read:| Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh's convoy allegedly attacked in Cooch Behar
The Commission had on Tuesday issued a notice to Ghosh for his alleged remarks after four people were killed when central forces opened fire during polling at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar district.
The Trinamool Congress had approached the Commission against Ghosh.
Read:| TMC demands ban on Dilip Ghosh's campaign over his statement on Cooch Behar violence
The notice cited Ghosh's alleged remarks that "if someone crosses his limits then you have seen what happened in Sitalkuchi. There will be Sitalkuchi in several places."
Meanwhile, The Election Commission also ssued a notice to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sayantan Basu for delivering an inflammatory statement, which is "an open threat to Bengal and its people".
The EC asked Basu to explain his stand regarding his statement within 24 hours, failing which the Commission "shall take a decision without further reference to you".
The EC said that Basu's statement has been found "in violation of the clauses (1) and (4) of Part I of General Conduct of Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of political parties and candidates, and the provisions under Section 123 (3A) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Sections 153 (A) (1) (a) of Indian Penal Code".
The fifth phase of the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections will take place on April 17.
The high-decibel campaigning for the fifth of the eight phases of the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Wednesday as the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic continued to rage on.
A violent incident in Sitalkuchi, Cooch Behar district occurred during the fourth phase polls, where four people were killed after security personnel opened fire.
The EC had earlier banned BJP candidate Rahul Sinha for 48 hours on Tuesday for his remarks on the Sitalkuchi violence
(with inputs from agencies)
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