Kolkata: Sukanta Majumdar, West Bengal Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) chief on Wednesday alleged that candidates were not able to file nominations for the upcoming panchayat election in the state because the state election commission was not working properly. 

He accused the EC was not allowing central forces to take charge and if this continued free and fair elections would not be conducted.

“There are several blocks where candidates are not able to file nominations. State Election Commission is not working properly, they are not allowing Central Forces to take charge. If this continues, free and fair elections will not be conducted. No initiatives have been taken by the State Election Commission regarding the Court judgement,” said Sukanta Majumdar.

#WATCH | There are several blocks where candidates are not able to file nominations. State Election Commission is not working properly, they are not allowing Central Forces to take charge. If this continues, free and fair elections will not be conducted. No initiatives have been… pic.twitter.com/h92ACuRlil

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— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2023

Earlier, West Bengal state Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha announced that a three-tier Panchayat election in the eastern state would be held on July 8. 

The election for the village councils will be held in a single phase and nomination for the poll would end on June 15. 

“The Panchayat polls will be held on July 8. The last date for filling nomination is June 15, Candidates can withdraw their nomination by June 20,” said Mr Sinha. 

Announcing the poll date in a press conference, the election commissioner said that the counting of votes will be done on July 11. 

The Three-tier panchayat election consists of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad. 

The Panchayat poll is crucial as it would show the direction for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. 

Also Read: West Bengal: Panchayat poll to be held on July 8, says election commissioner