The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders expressed satisfaction with the Calcutta High Court’s ruling not to intervene in matters concerning officers on election duty until April 29, the day of the second phase of polling in West Bengal. This decision followed a lawyer’s request to limit the authority of Election Commission-appointed police observer Ajay Pal Sharma. Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan had previously accused Sharma of threatening his family and locals in the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district’s Diamond Harbour.
Hailing the court’s decision, Union Minister of State and former West Bengal BJP Chief Sukanta Majumdar praised the Election Commission’s stance, implying a lack of impartiality among state police officers. Majumdar suggested that the Trinamool Congress fears unbiased officers as they may influence voters against the party. He urged the Election Commission to maintain strict measures for peaceful voting in sensitive areas during the final phase.
In support of the court’s ruling, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee noted the Trinamool Congress’s apprehension towards Election Commission observers, emphasizing the party’s complaint against them. Chatterjee expressed optimism for peaceful voting in the second phase, highlighting expectations of increased voter turnout, especially among women and the younger generation in favor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She also anticipated a fear-free voting experience for the people of Diamond Harbour after years of electoral abstention.
