The Election Commission had on Wednesday put a halt to Bose’s proposed tour of Cooch Behar on Thursday and Friday, saying it would be a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
In its complaint to the state chief electoral officer, the TMC said that it has “received credible information” that governor Bose “is once again planning to visit North Bengal during the silent period, including the day scheduled for polls”.
Referring to Bose’s proposed tour of Cooch Behar, the TMC’s letter added that he “again wishes to visit Alipurduar” on April 18 and 19 even though the parliamentary constituency is scheduled to go for polls on Friday.
“As you are already aware that during the silent period, any sort of political meeting and/or campaign is strictly prohibited. Further, during the silent period, all political functionaries, leaders and politically exposed persons who are not voters of poll-going constituencies are mandatorily required to leave such constituencies,” the TMC said.
It further stated, “Therefore, the Hon’ble Governor ought not to visit Alipurduar today and tomorrow, as the same may adversely affect the level playing field of the ongoing elections. This is also because the Hon’ble Governor is known to conduct meetings with BJP leader(s) during his visits to North Bengal and the same would tantamount to interference with the ensuing elections, especially during the silent period.”
Reacting to the development, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said that he won’t be visiting north Bengal and his priority was to be with the people of the state. “My priority is to be with the people of Bengal. My focus is to fight against the violence in the state, particularly during elections. My field visits are for these purposes but there is an attempt to politicise the Governor’s office.”
“I will not let anyone to lower the dignity of the office of the Governor. I will not allow anyone to use me as a pawn on the political chess board. Under the Constitution, no one can restrict the movement of a Governor. However, I do not want to get involved in the unsavoury political controversy around me… Because of unsavoury political implications , I am calling off my visit to North Bengal today.”