Controversy erupted after Krishnanagar Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra entered the counting center of Ranaghat College in Nadia, where counting of votes was going on for Shantipur bypoll on Tuesday.
The BJP has alleged that Moitra, who did not have the right to enter the center with personal bodyguards, took the step to influence the counting personnel. But the MP denied the allegation, saying he had no personal security.
The controversy erupted just before the counting of votes began at 8 am. She stayed inside the center for 15 minutes.
Jagannath Sarkar, who won from the assembly constituency but resigned to remain as an MP, said: “Moitra is an MP and she walks with personal bodyguards. So how can she enter the counting centre? Why did the counting officials let him in? It is illegal. I have personal bodyguards and hence I did not go to the counting centre. He entered there to impress the officers.”
However, Moitra reacted sharply, saying: “I don’t need personal security cover like BJP MPs. When I was MLA, I did not take any personal security and now I am an MP and still, I do not carry any personal bodyguard with me.
“I would like to ask everyone to go to page 196 of the RO rule book where it is clearly written that I can enter alone. I have generated my card and hence I have entered. I haven’t done anything illegal.”
The Election Commission, however, has sought a report from the District Election Officer (DEO) and has verbally warned Moitra to stay away.
In Shantipur, TMC candidate Brojokishore Goswami is pitted against BJP’s Noranjan Biswas.
As per the latest update, Goswami is leading by a margin of over 10,000 votes after the second round of counting.
read all breaking news, breaking news And coronavirus news Here. follow us on Facebook, Twitter And Wire.
.