Kolkata: The Election Commission of India has directed police to take action against objectionable memes targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, after related videos went viral ahead of the second phase of polling.
Officials said the Commission has asked authorities to act even in the absence of a formal complaint, adding that provisions under the IT Act could be invoked if required.
The directive comes amid heightened political tensions on the last day of campaigning, with reports of heated exchanges between leaders and disruptions at a rally in Chakraberiya. The All India Trinamool Congress alleged that a speech had to be cut short due to interference by Bharatiya Janata Party workers.
The poll panel reiterated its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, taking serious note of the circulation of objectionable content during the campaign period.
The second phase of voting is scheduled for Wednesday across 142 assembly constituencies in the state. Banerjee is contesting from the Bhabanipur seat in Kolkata, where she faces Suvendu Adhikari as the BJP candidate.
