Today(on 21st May),ECI imposes 24-hour campaign ban on BJP’s Abhijit Gangopadhyay for derogatory comments against Mamata Banerjee, prohibiting campaign activities from 5 PM on May 21. Gangopadhyay, a former Calcutta High Court judge, faces repercussions for his remarks during the Lok Sabha elections.
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KOLKATA: Today(on 21st May), The Election Commission of India (ECI) imposed a 24-hour ban on campaigning by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Calcutta High Court judge, Abhijit Gangopadhyay, due to inappropriate remarks made against West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee. This directive prohibits Gangopadhyay from participating in any campaign activities for the Lok Sabha elections from 5 PM on May 21.
The ECI, led by Secretary Rakesh Kumar, responded to the allegations stemming from comments Gangopadhyay made during a public gathering on May 15 in Haldia. The complaint, lodged by the All-India Trinamool Congress, highlighted the serious nature of his remarks.
Justice Gangopadhyay allegedly questioned the integrity and femininity of the Chief Minister with the words:
“Mamata Banerjee, what price are you being sold at?Are you worth 10 lakh rupees, and if so, why? Is it because you get your makeup done by Keya Seth? Mamata Banerjee, is she even a woman? Sometimes I wonder.”
Following a review of Gangopadhyay’s response to a show-cause notice, the ECI concluded that his comments constituted a “low-level personal attack” that breached the Model Code of Conduct.
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The order criticized the former judge for his remarks, stating:
“Shri Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s remarks have caused harm and disrepute to the state of West Bengal, which has a long-standing tradition of honoring women. Therefore, the Commission strongly condemns Shri Abhijit Gangopadhyay for the aforementioned misconduct and imposes a 24-hour campaign ban starting from 17:00 hrs on May 21, 2024.”
The ECI’s stern reprimand underscored the deep-seated cultural reverence for women in Indian society, emphasizing that such respect should not be undermined during electoral processes.
The Commission further remarked:
“The Commission remains steadfastly committed to the above declaration and views Shri Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s statement as a direct affront to the ‘status of women in India.’ Such a statement is utterly condemnable when directed at any woman, let alone a senior political leader and constitutional office holder whom he has targeted.”
Given Gangopadhyay’s significant professional and educational background, the ECI dismissed any possibility of leniency, noting:
“The Commission is deeply troubled by the fact that such reprehensible remarks were made by someone with Shri Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s educational and professional background, and therefore, he does not deserve any benefit of the doubt.”
The controversy arrives amidst a charged political atmosphere, as Gangopadhyay had resigned from his judicial position in March to join the BJP and is currently a candidate in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections from the Tamluk constituency—a region historically associated with the TMC.
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In response to these matter, the ECI has advised BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure the issuance of advisories against derogatory remarks towards women, reminding that a similar directive had been issued in April. The order highlighted the repeated failure to uphold basic standards of conduct despite clear guidelines from the Commission, stating:
“Regrettably, Shri Abhijit Gangopadhyay has committed a similar violation to an even greater extent. This is considered a serious failure to uphold fundamental campaign conduct, despite clear directives from the commission.”