EC bans Mamata from poll campaign for 24 hours, TMC calls it black day for democracy

The poll body found substance in allegations levelled against Mamata for her comments on Muslim votes and appeal voters to allegedly revolt against central security forces.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has been banned from campaigning for 24 hours by the Election Commission for violating the election Model Code of Conduct.

The poll body found substance in allegations levelled against Mamata for her comments on Muslim votes and appeal voters to allegedly revolt against central security forces.

Responding to Mamata's reply over her alleged appeal for votes along communal lines, the Election Commission noted that it was self-evident from going through reports that charges mentioned in Mamata's hand-written note were factually incorrect and without any empirical evidence whatsoever.

"West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has in violation of provisions of Model Code of Conduct made insinuating and provocative remarks laden with a serious potential of a breakdown of law and order and thereby adversely affecting the election process," the Election Commission added.

Reacting to the 24-hour ban, the TMC chief termed the decision as undemocratic and unconstitutional and announced that she 'will sit on dharna' on Tuesday at Gandhi Murti, Kolkata, from 12 Noon.

The TMC termed the Election Commission's decision a black day for democracy.