Trinamool complains against BJP candidate for insulting Netaji, National Flag in Malda

The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has submitted a formal complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal against Gaur Chandra Mondal, the BJP candidate for the Manikchak Assembly constituency. The letter, signed by Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien, accuses Mondal and his supporters of multiple violations, including the desecration of a statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and disrespecting the Indian National Flag during a recent public rally.

According to the complaint, BJP workers allegedly climbed the Netaji statue at the Manikchak bus stand to place saffron and national flags, reportedly breaking a flagpole in the process. The TMC claims this act violates the Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and the Flag Code of India, 2002. Furthermore, the ruling party alleged that BJP supporters brandished weapons like swords and sticks to intimidate local residents and voters, which they termed a "corrupt practice" under the Representation of the People Act.

The complaint also highlights the defacement of AITC election posters outside a local party office, calling it a direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The TMC has urged the Election Commission to issue an immediate show-cause notice to Gaur Chandra Mondal and take exemplary action to ensure a free and fair election process. They argued that such "provocative behavior" is a deliberate attempt to interfere with the electoral atmosphere in the 49-Manikchak constituency.