File photo of Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath
The Election Commission on Thursday sought to downplay allegations made by the Left parties and Congress over the 'inaction' by its special observer in West Bengal saying there was "nothing objectionable" in his movement, including when he left the state.
Responding to a volley of questions on allegations on the 'inaction' by the special observer, Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath said since the officer is on a different footing, he can always leave the state with the permission of the poll body.
There had been allegations by the opposition parties in West Bengal that the officer concerned - Sudhir Rakesh - was not present and available to them on certain polling days in West Bengal when there were attempts to reach him with complaints of rigging and booth capturing.
"The special observer is also an observer. His role is more in the nature of a coordinating person, supervising a large area and he has a higher stature. He always can go out...he is on a different footing. He is not in charge of any particular constituency," Mr Sampath said.
Asked whether the EC will take action against Narendra Modi for 'daring' the poll panel to take action against rigging and booth capturing in West Bengal, Mr Sampath said such general remarks about rigging are made in political speeches.
But it is usually the candidate concerned who brings specific instances to their (EC) notice by giving details of name and number of the booth concern.
He said if need arises, the EC orders a repoll after assessing the actual position.