EC censures Abhijeet Ganguly from campaigning for 24 hours

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has censured Abhijit Ganguly, the BJP nominee from Tamluk, barring him from campaigning for 24 hours starting from 5 PM on Tuesday. 

The ECI described Ganguly’s comments as a low-level personal attack and a direct affront to the status of women in India. "His remarks have brought a great damage and disrepute to Bengal", the ECI noted. 

The Trinamul Congress filed a complaint with the ECI following Ganguly’s speech at a rally in Haldia on May 15. During this speech, Ganguly made objectionable comments against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 

"(Trinamool Congress says) Rekha Patra (BJP's Sandeshkhali pick) was bought for Rs 2,000. What is your price, Mamata Banerjee? If Rs 8 lakh is given to you, you provide one job. If Rs 10 lakh is given to you, rations get transported to another country...Is your price Rs 10 lakh? Is Rekha Patra easy to buy because she is poor?" Abhijit Ganguly asserted while further adding, "Is she (Mamata Banerjee) even a woman?"

Earlier on Friday, EC issued a show-cause notice to the former Calcutta HC judge seeking his response by 5pm on Monday, explaining why “appropriate action” should not be taken against him. This move followed a compliant filed by TMC.