EC mulls 72-hr ‘silence period’ for Bengal

In the aftermath of the Cooch Behar incident and the heavy political rhetoric in poll-bound areas, the Election Commission is examining the possibility of extending a 72-hour long ‘silence period’ for other phases of the Bengal elections as well, ET has learnt.The ECI has already ordered a 72-hour silence period instead of the 48-hour norm for phase-5 of the Bengal election scheduled for April 17. Phases 6, 7 and 8 will be held on April 22, April 26 and April 29, respectively.While it is rare for the EC to extend the silence period to 72 hours, there has been a precedent in West Bengal itself in the parliamentary elections in a similarly charged environment, officials told ET. ECI’s special observers for Bengal have also submitted in their April 10 report that the “political rhetoric” in Bengal has reached an “unhealthy pitch” and that temperatures need to “cool down” in the state.Under Section 126 of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, campaigning, canvassing, public meetings, processions, displaying of election matter, stands prohibited 48 hours before the poll. This is referred to as ‘silence period’. The purpose of this prohibition is to provide a “tranquil period for the electors before voting day” to allow voters to think calmly without any political noise and rhetoric before casting their vote.Four people were killed when Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel opened fire in “self-defence” in Sitalkuchi’s booth No.126 on April 10, allegedly after coming under attack from locals who “attempted to snatch their rifles”. Invoking its plenary powers under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, the poll panel has said in an April 10 order that the “silence period” for Phase V polls (April 17) will be extended from the current 48 hours to 72 hours “to ensure the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections”.The 72-hour extension for phase-5 is also being seen in the context of the comments made against the CAPF by chief minister Mamata Banerjee.The EC observers’ report on the Cooch Behar incident notes that the statements of “the West Bengal Chief Minister” “doubting the impartiality of CAPF” and “exhorting her supporters to gherao them” have “compounded the problem” in the state. The ECI notice to Banerjee had said that such “intemperate” statements can create distrust and have “serious consequential damage”.

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