New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Senior Congress leader Udit Raj on Thursday expressed doubts over the impartiality of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the ongoing Assembly elections, while asserting that in Tamil Nadu, the BJP would not be able to “influence” the results through the poll body.

He argued that the political gap between the BJP and the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu is substantial, making it difficult for the BJP to “manipulate the outcome”.

His remarks come at a time when voting is underway in Assembly elections in both West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. West Bengal is set to go for another phase of polling on April 29, while counting of votes in both states is scheduled for May 4.

Speaking on the importance of maintaining law and order during polling, Udit Raj told IANS, “The Election Commission has implemented the Model Code of Conduct. Historically, whenever this code has been enforced — particularly when enforced forcefully — instances of violence have often accompanied the electoral process. However, I do not believe that the Election Commission will demonstrate true impartiality this time around.”

He further criticised the BJP’s “influence” over the poll body, saying, “In Tamil Nadu, the situation is such that there is a significant disparity between the political forces at play. The BJP — which effectively holds the Election Commission on a leash like a puppet — may try as hard as it likes, but the gap between the parties in Tamil Nadu is simply too wide for them to manipulate the outcome.”

Turning to West Bengal, the Congress leader claimed that the BJP may still attempt to “influence” the outcome there with the “help” of the ECI.

“They (the BJP) might be able to do so in Bengal. Indeed, a much larger contingent of security forces has been deployed in Bengal. Moreover, TMC members in Bengal are known for their high-handedness and intimidation tactics — often resorting to physical violence. The BJP members, too, behave in much the same manner. The nature of both parties is remarkably similar; however, the Election Commission appears to be siding with one of them — the BJP,” he said.

“This is the backdrop against which the elections in Bengal are unfolding. Let us wait and see what transpires. There is, indeed, a palpable apprehension that violence could erupt in Bengal. To prevent such an occurrence and to ensure that the elections in Bengal are conducted peacefully, the Election Commission must take strict precautionary measures,” Raj added.

Udit Raj also referred to the notice issued by the ECI to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the BJP of harbouring a “Manuvadi mindset”.

“The BJP has a Manuvadi mindset because Mallikarjun Kharge comes from the Dalit community. He is the president of the country’s second-largest party, and they are unable to tolerate that.”

Referring to BJP leader Bangaru Laxman, Udit Raj said, “However, he even had to go to jail. This Manuvadi mindset is so dangerous that they defamed their own national president, sent him to jail, and destroyed his life. From this, one can imagine the level of hatred they have for leaders of other parties. This notice has not been sent by the Election Commission of India, but by the BJP — there is no difference left between the two.”

–IANS

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