ECI issues notice to BJP's Abhijit Gangopadhyay over remark on Mamata Banerjee

The Election Commission of India on Friday issued a showcause notice to former Calcutta High Court judge and BJP Lok Sabha candidate Abhijit Gangopadhyay over his "improper, injudicious and undignified" comments about West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

On Friday, the state's ruling Trinamool Congress filed a complaint with the commission against the BJP candidate for the Tamluk seat, accusing him of making derogatory comments against Banerjee.

It sought a complete ban on Gangopadhyay from holding and attending any public meetings and rallies, and permission to initiate criminal proceedings against him for allegedly contravening the provisions of the Indian Penal Code.


In its notice, the Election Commission of India said Gangopadhyay's comment has been found to be also "beyond dignity in every sense of term" and "in bad taste", and prima facie violative of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and its advisory to political parties. The poll panel has directed Gangopadhyay to respond to the notice by 5 pm on May 20.