The Election Commission has taken disciplinary action against seven paramilitary personnel deployed on election duty in Murshidabad district of West Bengal for attending the Iftar program. A senior official gave this information on Wednesday.
The official said two of these personnel have been kept in the custody of central forces, while the remaining five have been transferred outside the state. He said the incident took place about a week ago during the month of Ramzan, when the personnel concerned had reportedly attended an Iftar party at Nimtita in Murshidabad.
An Election Commission official said, “The Commission took cognizance of this incident.” Personnel deployed on election duty are not allowed to attend social gatherings or accept any kind of hospitality from local persons.
According to reports, the Iftar was organized by the husband of a local panchayat head and pictures of the event had surfaced on social media, drawing the attention of the Election Commission.
However, the personnel concerned denied the allegations and claimed that the Iftar was organized inside the BSF camp and local representatives were invited there.
“After the matter came to our notice, a departmental inquiry was initiated,” the officer said. Based on the findings of the investigation, action has been taken as per the rules of the paramilitary force.
The Commission said that central forces deployed for election-related work should maintain neutrality and distance from local stakeholders.
“They cannot participate in any social or community program in the deployment area,” the officer said. Any kind of violation will be taken seriously.
“The commission is keeping a close eye on whether the forces are being utilized properly, how their route marches are being conducted and how their coordination is at the ground level,” the officer said.
Elections for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The results will be declared on May 4.
