The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reprimanded Abhijit Gangopadhyay, a former judge of the Calcutta High Court and a candidate for the BJP, contesting from the Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. Effective from 5PM today, May 21, the BJP candidate has been prohibited from campaigning for a period of 24 hours.
In a strongly worded directive, the ECI cautioned Abhijit Gangopadhyay to exercise caution in his public statements during the duration of the Model Code of Conduct.
The constituency of Tamluk is scheduled for polling on May 25, falling under the sixth phase of elections in the state. Previously, on Friday, the Commission had issued a show-cause notice to Abhijit for his “inappropriate, imprudent, and lacking in dignity” remarks directed towards West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Abhijit, the former High Court judge, responded to the notice on Monday, May 20.
Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s comments sparked a verbal altercation between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. The TMC formally lodged a complaint with the ECI against Gangopadhyay following a speech he delivered at a rally in Haldia’s Chaitanyapur area on May 15. The ruling party in Bengal asserted that his comments mirrored the “misogynistic attitude of the BJP.”
The TMC demanded a complete prohibition on Gangopadhyay from organizing or attending any public rallies or meetings, as well as authorization to initiate legal proceedings against him.
Additionally, the ECI has instructed the BJP chief JP Nadda to issue advisories to all party candidates to prevent any breaches during the campaign. “Abhijit Gangopadhyay has committed a similar type of violation to a more severe extent. This is considered a serious failure to adhere to one of the most fundamental principles of election campaigning, despite clear directives from the Commission,” stated the election body in its order.