ECI Debars BJP Candidate Abhijit Gangopadhyay from Campaigning for 24 hrs for his “Low-Level Personal Attack” on Mamata Banerjee

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday censured former Calcutta High Court judge and BJP Candidate, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay for the “low-level personal attack” that he made on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by questioning her integrity and insinuating that she could be bought with money. In addition, the poll body has debarred Justice Gangopadhyay from campaigning for 24 hours, starting from 5 pm on May 21.

“By Shri Abhijit Gangopadhyay's words, he has brought damage and disrepute to the state of West Bengal that has a distinguished tradition of respect for women and now, therefore, the Commission hereby strongly censures Shri Abhijit Gangopadhyay for the above-said misconduct and debars him from campaigning for 24 hours starting from 17.00 hrs of 21st May 2024. The Commission also strictly warns Shri Abhijit Gangopadhyay to remain careful in his public utterances during the currency of Model Code of Conduct,” stated the Election Commission of India.

During a poll rally in Haldia on May 15, Abhijit Gangopadhyay, the BJP candidate from Bengal’s Tamluk constituency made derogatory comments about Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "Trinamool says Rekha Patra was bought for ₹2000. So, Mamata Banerjee, what is your price, ₹10 lakh? Because you're getting your makeup done by Keya Seth? Mamata Banerjee, is she even a woman? I keep wondering sometimes,” said Justice Gamgopadhyay.

The Trinamool Congress was quick to hit back, and moved the Election Commission, asking the poll body to take action against Abhijit Gangopadhyay. The Election Commission of India had found the comments to be in violation of the provisions of the model code of conduct and then had issued a show cause notice to the BJP Tamluk candidate, and sought an explanation from him by May 20.​