This refers to the report, “Didi blinks first” (April 9). Ms Mamata Banerjee is known for her confrontational attitude. She revels in the idea of creating adversaries, and is intolerant to criticism. This time, she was up against the Election Commission of India which has infused a semblance of order in the Indian electoral process.
Ms Banerjee may be right that the transfer of officials at the eleventh hour hinders smooth administration. She has a valid point that the present elections are excruciatingly long, and just one district in West Bengal has polling in two phases. But that is exactly what one should expect in a vast country like India. Ms Banerjee had to beat a hasty retreat.
Once the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, provisions of the Representation of the People Act and those of the Constitution vest enormous power in the poll panel. Ms Banerjee should know that a constitutional authority like the ECI can never take sides.