TMC demands action against BJP’s Sukanta Majumdar for insulting State Emblem, urges EC to act

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has formally approached the Election Commission of India with a complaint against Sukanta Majumdar, the West Bengal BJP chief, accusing him of insulting the State Emblem of India and the state police. The complaint pertains to remarks made by Majumdar during an election rally in Taldangra on November 7, 2024. The BJP leader allegedly stated that police personnel should replace the Ashoka Stambh on their uniforms with the symbol of a sandal, which the TMC claims is derogatory to both the emblem and the police force.

In the complaint, TMC MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek O'Brien specifically called for the Election Commission to issue a show cause notice to Majumdar, citing the inflammatory nature of his remarks. They argued that the statement insulted the Ashoka Stambh, a revered symbol of the Indian Republic, which represents the country’s sovereignty and democratic values. The TMC emphasized that the comment was made in the context of a politically charged election rally in the lead-up to the bypolls in Taldangra, where Majumdar’s party is actively campaigning.

The TMC’s letter to the Election Commission also highlighted the impact of Majumdar’s remarks on the state police. The party accused the BJP leader of attempting to undermine the credibility and neutrality of the police force, which is responsible for maintaining law and order during elections. The TMC stated that such comments, in the context of an election campaign, could potentially create an atmosphere of distrust and hostility towards law enforcement officials who are tasked with ensuring the smooth conduct of the electoral process.

Additionally, the TMC raised concerns that Majumdar’s comments violated the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which governs conduct during elections. The party argued that spreading false, defamatory statements with the intent of undermining public trust in institutions, such as the police, constitutes a corrupt practice under the law. The TMC also called for appropriate action from the Election Commission to penalize Majumdar for his actions, which they claim could influence voters through misleading rhetoric. The party requested an unconditional apology from Majumdar for disrespecting the State Emblem of India and the police.