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BJP National Secretary Rahul Sinha today criticised the state election body for announcing panchayat polls in West Bengal in early May and said the State Election Commissioner was "parroting" the government's instructions on it.
One month's time to hold any election is "inadequate" for the contesting political parties, he told newsmen here.
State Election Commissioner (SEC) A K Singh today said the panchayat polls would be held in three phases in 20 districts of the state on May 1, 3 and May 5.
"To hold an election properly at least one and half months time is needed (by the political parties). The State Election Commissioner declared the poll dates in May only a month away on the instructions of the state government. He is merely parroting the state government's order," he said.
Sinha said the BJP would take legal opinion on the issue and move court if needed.
The BJP leader said it is not possible to reach the people in only a month. "The panchayat poll dates were announced by the SEC in a hurry on the directives of the state government so that the opposition cannot put up a proper fight."
He also hit out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said she should also take up the responsibility of the SEC.
"If she (Banerjee) takes up the responsibility of the SEC along with chief ministership all the problems (of the panchayat polls) will be solved," he added.
The panchayat election assumes significance as it is the last major poll in the state before the general elections due next year.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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