ECI Bans BJP Leader Abhijit Gangopadhyay from Campaigning for Derogatory Remarks
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has imposed a 24-hour campaigning ban on Abhijit Gangopadhyay, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Calcutta High Court judge, following his derogatory remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The ban, effective from 5 PM today (May 21), comes in response to comments made by Gangopadhyay during a public meeting in Haldia on May 15.
In Bengali, Gangopadhyay allegedly questioned Mamata Banerjee’s integrity and femininity, prompting a complaint from the All-India Trinamool Congress. The ECI found his remarks to be a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and ordered him to abstain from campaigning for 24 hours.
Acknowledging Gangopadhyay’s response to a show-cause notice, the ECI emphasized the need for caution in his future public statements. It strongly condemned his remarks, stating that they undermined the longstanding tradition of respecting women in West Bengal. The order reiterated the commitment to upholding women’s dignity during elections and emphasized that Gangopadhyay’s background as a former judge did not exempt him from accountability.
Despite Gangopadhyay’s resignation from judicial service in March to join the BJP and contest the ongoing Lok Sabha elections from the Tamluk constituency, his transition to politics has been marred by controversy. His remarks are deemed a failure to uphold basic standards of election conduct, warranting disciplinary action.
The ECI has directed the BJP to issue an advisory to its members against making derogatory comments towards women, noting a previous directive issued in April. Gangopadhyay’s past conflict with another High Court judge and subsequent transfer of proceedings to the Supreme Court further underscored his contentious tenure.
Overall, the ECI’s decision reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity of elections and upholding respect for women in public discourse.
Click here to read the order.
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