Amidst the challenges posed by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), the TMC and BJP, usually political rivals, appear to find common ground on the dates of the impending civic polls. In an unusual alignment, both parties are expected to request the West Bengal State Election Commission (SEC) to postpone civic polls during an all-party meeting scheduled for Monday at the SEC office.
State Election Commissioner Saurabh Das has called the meeting to determine the civic poll dates and has invited leaders from 10 major political parties. A TMC statement on Sunday indicated the party’s intention to appeal to the State Election Commission to defer the municipal corporation elections in light of the Covid-19 crisis. The statement urged all political parties to unite in confronting the situation.
West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh also advocated for the postponement of civic polls due to the coronavirus. Ghosh emphasized the need for the state government to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections, providing adequate time for campaigning and ensuring that people can exercise their franchise without fear.
Nearly 110 civic bodies in the state are due for elections, with the state government initially proposing dates between April 12 and 26. However, the BJP objected, citing insufficient time for campaigning. State Parliamentary Affairs Minister and TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee acknowledged the current situation as a cause for concern and stated that a decision would be made after discussions with all parties.
During the meeting, the CPM and Congress are also expected to express their opinions on the civic polls. An SEC official, expressing concern over sticking to the government’s proposed dates, highlighted the challenges of campaigning during the coronavirus outbreak. The official suggested that if normalcy did not return within 15 days, the polls might be postponed until early June. The TMC government reportedly prefers not to hold elections during the holy month of Ramzan, starting from April 23.
