This refers to the editorial , “Calling poll panel names” (April 16). West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not the only politician to have challenged the Election Commission of India; leaders from other parties too have done so on various occasions. The Election Commission’s letting them off, after a cursory warning, has emboldened politicians to follow the suit.
After announcing the creation of a new Asansol district amidst the poll process, Banerjee launched a verbal attack on the Election Commission and even went on to say that she would repeat her remarks. The Chief Minister should have refrained from letting loose her emotions publicly. By her confrontationist attitude, she has set a bad example and set tongues wagging. The Election Commission is known for its determination to conduct free and fair polls. It is not known to bow to pulls and pressures. It’s time to change the rules so as to ensure strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct and prevent politicians from making inglorious comments.