SEC accountable for all blood shed during panchayat polls, says WB Governor

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on June 22 blamed the State Election Commission (SEC) for the violence during the ongoing panchayat poll process in the State, warning that the Commission was accountable for every drop of human blood that is shed in the field. 

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on June 22 blamed the State Election Commission (SEC) for the violence during the ongoing panchayat poll process in the State, warning that the Commission was accountable for every drop of human blood that is shed in the field. 

“People are disappointed by the apparent inaction from the Election Commission. People are in a state of fear. There is violence, but of course I will not say there is violence all over. But there is violence, and the fact that there is violence cannot be denied,” the Governor said.

On Thursday, the SEC requisitioned 800 companies of central forces to be deployed in the State during the panchayat polls, in accordance with the Calcutta High Court’s directions, though the BJP says this is also insufficient.

Mr. Bose said that he had appointed Rajiva Sinha as the State Election Commissioner, trusting that he would conduct the election process in a free and fair manner. He added that during the election, the Commissioner has power over the police and magistrates. “The Election Commission should not only be impartial but should also be perceived to be impartial. Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion,” Mr. Bose added.

The Governor’s remarks came a day after he returned Mr. Sinha’s joining report to the State government late on Wednesday night. The development has not only triggered a fresh controversy, but also a constitutional crisis, with questions being raised as to what will be the fate of the Commissioner if the Governor sticks to his stand. Sources say that since the poll process has already started, the State may request the Governor again to complete the formalities of the appointment.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ruled out the possibility of removing the SEC, calling it a “cumbersome process”, which must be done through impeachment. The Chief Minister said that SEC was appointed as per procedure with the Governor’s approval, and could not be removed at the drop of a hat. 

“It is constitutional. He [the Governor] had also cleared the file,” Ms. Banerjee said, adding that any attempts to subvert the election process would evoke a strong response from voters.