Bengal Poll: Congress candidate gets relief as tribunal orders roll inclusion

Malda: In the first case heard in the appellate court in Bengal, Congress candidate Motab Sheikh from Farakka assembly constituency, whose name was subpoenaed and later rejected, has now been included in the electoral roll. Appellate court judge and former Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court TS Sivagnanam had earlier directed the ECI to add his name by 8 pm on Sunday.

Sheikh had earlier moved the Kolkata HC and then the Supreme Court on the issue. In his order, Sivagnanam directed the ECI to publish a supplementary list and include Sheikh’s name in the valid electoral roll by 8 pm on Sunday.

“This is the first decision of the appeals court given on Sunday and it is a historic decision,” said Sheikh’s lawyer Firdous Samim.
Meanwhile, West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal has started visiting districts across the state to review the election situation. Agarwal said in Nandigram: “I will visit every district. There is no need to fear. We will take appropriate steps if necessary. All parties want people to vote without fear. We will work together. It is our duty to hold free and fair elections.”