HC directs Bengal govt to file affidavit on opposing BJP plea

The Calcutta High Court today directed the West Bengal government to submit an affidavit stating reasons for its opposing the state BJP's prayer to be added as a party in a petition by State Election Commission, which proposed dates for holding polls for 17 municipalities.

The SEC, which has been at loggerheads with the state government for some time, has prayed for direction to the state to hold election to the municipal bodies, the terms of which are due to finish by the end of this month.

The state opposed the BJP's application for being added as a party in the matter, supporting the SEC petition to hold the municipal elections in time. Justice Soumitra Pal directed the state government to file an affidavit by July 24 stating why it was opposing the BJP's prayer. The SEC counsel submitted a proposal before the court for holding the elections by August 31 and complete the process by September 11.

According to the proposal, the elections are to be notified on July 31. The matter would be taken up for hearing by the court again tomorrow.