Election Campaigning In West Bengal To End A Day Early After Violence

The Election Commission invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to curtail the campaigning.

Indian police stand next to burning debris on a street following clashes by rival groups during a campaign... — Indian police stand next to burning debris on a street following clashes by rival groups during a campaign rally event held by Amit Shah.

The Election Commission on Wednesday banned campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies from 10 pm, Thursday night, in the wake of violence between BJP and TMC workers in the state in last 24 hours.

The Election Commission invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to curtail the campaigning, a day before its scheduled deadline, for the last phase of the election on 19 May.

The commission said that it is probably the first time that the EC has invoked Article 324 in this manner, but it may not be the last case.

During the violence, a bust of Bengali icon Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was vandalised.

The Commission said that it was deeply anguished at the vandalism done to the statue.

The EC also ordered the removal of Principal Secretary (Home) and Additional Director General, CID from their postings in West Bengal.

(With PTI inputs)

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