BJP leaders allege rampant corruption in KMC board organized by Trinamool Congress since 2010
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary Abhishek Banerjee took to the streets on Thursday as the election campaign for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) reached its final phase. The Chief Minister held a few public rallies in South Kolkata, while Mr. Banerjee held a roadshow in North Kolkata. Elections for 144 wards of KMC will be held on December 19.
The CM explained how the Trinamool Congress board had helped the city in dealing with frequent cyclones including Amphan in May 2020. Ms Banerjee said that despite pressure from various corners, including the Centre, she had not allowed any tax to be levied. on water. Promising better infrastructure, Ms Banerjee cautioned TMC candidates in the civic polls that they will have to “stand with the people” and be more accessible.
From the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leaders such as Suvendu Adhikari and state president Sukanta Majumdar campaigned for the party’s candidates. Both alleged rampant corruption in the Trinamool Congress-run board, especially related to real estate. He also denied Ms Banerjee’s claim that the Center was pressurizing the KMC to levy water tax.
The election campaign for KMC will end on Friday. Trinamool Congress is running the KMC board since 2010.
In another development, Calcutta High Court dismissed a petition The BJP leadership has demanded deployment of Central Armed Police Forces for the civic polls. Justice Rajasekhar Mantha, in his order, observed that, “Since the State Election Commission does not see the need for deployment of central forces, this Court is not inclined to entertain the petitioner’s prayer on that ground.”
The High Court, however, directed that the Commissioner of Kolkata Police “immediately pay attention to any other complaint of the other complainants and based on the perception of danger”. [to] Ensure proper security as well as other measures.”
Justice Mantha said, “All steps should be taken to facilitate the exercise of franchise by the citizens and free, fair and peaceful elections.”
The BJP leadership may approach the division bench challenging the order.
Kolkata Police has decided to deploy around 23,000 personnel across the city for the elections.
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