West Bengal Elections: Nandigram Returning Officer Provided Security After He Rejected Recount Request Of TMC

The West Bengal government on Monday (3 May) informed the Election Commission (EC) that it has provided security to the Nandigram returning officer both in person and at his home as per the direction of the EC.

“Officers performing election duty be given due protection as any pressure or harm or even perception or furtherance of any such narrative shall have serious implications on the entire machinery deployed during elections,” the EC wrote to the West Bengal chief secretary.

Earlier the returning officer of Nandigram assembly constituency in West Bengal, where BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari defeated TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, had rejected the request for recounting by TMC’s agent.

The EC on Tuesday (4 May) said rejection of the Trinamool agent's demand for a recount was in line with the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, reports The Times of India.

As per Rule 63 of Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, a returning officer upon receiving a recount request can allow it in whole or in part or may reject if it appears to him frivolous or unreasonable.