By-elections: EC bans Trinamool MLA from campaigning

KOLKATA: The Election Commission has barred Trinamool Congress MLA Narendranath Chakraborty from campaigning for by-polls to two constituencies in Bengal for violating the model code of conduct by allegedly issuing open threats to BJP voters and supporters.

The Pandabeswar MLA was recently heard telling party workers in a purported video to intimidate BJP supporters so that they do not go to polling booths. However, the authenticity of the video couldn't be verified.

"The Commission, orders to prohibit him from holding any public meetings, public rallies, road shows and interviews, public utterances in media in connection with ongoing by-election for a week (from 10 am March 30, to April 6, 2022 8 pm)," the EC said in a communication to the West Bengal chief electoral officer.