The Election Commission on Wednesday evening issued a notice to Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over comments "openly demanding votes on communal grounds" that were made while campaigning in Tarakeshwar in Hooghly district on April 3, ahead of the third phase of elections. Ms Banerjee, 66,, has been directed to explain her remarks within 48 hours of receipt of the notice, failing which the Commission said it would "take a decision without further reference to you".
