Bengal BJP moves EC against Firhad Hakim citing MCC violation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lodged a complaint with the Election Commission on Monday, alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim. The complaint, addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, Ariz Aftab, called for "exemplary steps" to be taken against Hakim.

The BJP's grievance stemmed from Hakim's announcement of compensation for those affected by the tragic Garden Reach house collapse incident. The incident, which occurred in the Metiabruz KMC Ward 134, resulted in the loss of two lives and left over 20 individuals injured.

"In a very tragic incident, an illegal building collapsed in Metiabruz KMC Ward 134 killing two, injuring more than 20. Shri Firhad Hakim rushed to the spot and in complete disregard to the MCC announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured, on behalf of the West Bengal government," stated the BJP in its letter to the Chief Electoral Officer.

The Garden Reach area has witnessed a series of fatalities, with at least nine individuals losing their lives due to the collapse of an under-construction building onto shanties.