Taking cognisance of a complaint by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Election Commission (EC) Monday issued a notice to Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar for his remarks allegedly insulting the national emblem. The poll body has sought a response from Majumdar by 8 pm on the same day.

The EC said the TMC Saturday alleged that during a recent public meeting in Taldangra Assembly constituency, where bypolls are scheduled for Wednesday, Majumdar insulted the national emblem and the state police.

The TMC again wrote to the EC on Monday to reiterate the complaint against Majumdar and protest against the conduct of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel in Bengal.

The letter, written by TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, said Majumdar made “derogatory statements against the State Police and insulted the State Emblem of India by suggesting it be replaced with symbols resembling footwear”.

In a post on X, TMC MP and spokesperson Saket Gokhale said Majumdar had told the state police personnel to “remove the national emblem from your uniform and put a chappal instead”.

O’Brien also alleged that CAPF personnel were working without any coordination with the state police and entering private residences to intimidate voters.

In its reply, the EC said it had acted within 20 hours of the receipt of the complaint on November 9. The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal had convened a meeting of the State Level Force Deployment Committee, the State Police Nodal Officer, and the State CAPF Coordinator at 11 am on Sunday, the EC added.

“It was decided that each QRT [Quick Response Team], including those led by company commander of CAPF, will include an ASI/SI level State Police personnel. Directions have been issued by CEO accordingly… much before your letter… dated 11.11.24,” the EC wrote, rejecting the allegations of “inaction and delayed response”.