Election Commission issues notice to Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

A notice has been issued to West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee by the Election Commission for allegedly violating the model code of conduct during her rally in Asansol. 

While addressing a rally in Asansol city of Bardhawan district, Mamata Banerjee announced that Asansol would soon become a separate district. 

She has reportedly been given a time frame to respond to the notice, failing which the EC can call for strict action against her. 

According to NDTV, Chief Election Commissioner Naseem Zaidi said, "It has been brought to our notice that she promised the creation of Asansol district and also made certain other utterances, for which the show-cause has been issued."

Media reports indicate that Mamata Banerjee justified her announcement, saying she would do it again. 

A week ago, the EC censured Trinamool Congress candidate Abdur Razzak Molla statements made by him at a rally. Last month, Lok Sabha's Ethics Committee sought an explanation from five Trinamool Congress MPs, who were allegedly caught accepting cash in a sting operation.