Wish EC put bypoll campaigns on hold for ten days: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that she would ideally want the Election Commission to put the bypoll campaigns on hold for ten days, starting from October 10. Banerjee reasoned the statement saying people would be busy celebrating the annual Durga Puja during that period. The bypolls to Kharadaha, Shantipur, Dinhata and Gosaba are scheduled to be held on October 30.

"I wish the Election Commission puts on hold all bypoll campaigns during Durga puja and Lakshmi puja. People will be in festive mood. They shouldn't be disturbed. Campaigns can commence from October 21 for a week," Banerjee said.

As the poll panel has not objected to the government's decision to grant Rs 50,000 allowance to every puja committee, the money would be disbursed soon, the CM said. However, the state has put off the implementation of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme in districts gearing up for the bypoll on October 30 as per the EC's directive. Hence, beneficiaries of the scheme shall receive the benefits of October in November alone.

"Mothers will be receiving Lakhsmir Bhandar benefits from November again. They will get two months' dole together next month," Banerjee said. She also requested the public to follow the high court order, which bans visitors in pandals to control the spread of COVID-19.

"Please follow COVID-19 protocols. You can enjoy even without entering pandals," the Chief Minister stressed.