SC rebukes Mamata Banerjee over ‘interference’ remark ahead of Bengal polling
A day before the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Supreme Court of India sharply criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying her alleged intervention in an ongoing probe could endanger democratic processes.
The remarks came during a hearing on a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the I-PAC raid case. The bench emphasised that the issue was not a Centre-versus-State dispute, but rather one involving a constitutional authority allegedly interfering in an investigation.
“This is not a dispute between the State and the Centre… a Chief Minister is intervening in the middle of an investigation and putting democracy at risk,” the court observed. It added that such a situation was unprecedented and warned that it could threaten the integrity of the system.
ED steps up action against TMC leaders
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate has intensified its probe involving leaders of the Trinamool Congress. The agency has issued fresh summons to party candidates Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, asking them to appear on April 24.
Both leaders are contesting the upcoming elections from Bidhannagar and Madhyamgram constituencies, respectively.
Two-phase polling underway
The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases across 294 constituencies. Voting for 152 seats is scheduled in the first phase on April 23, followed by polling in 142 seats on April 29. The results will be declared on May 4.
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