Action taken on most poll code violation complaints: Poll panel

Kolkata, March 29 (IANS) The Election Commission has received 185 complaints of violations of model code of conduct in West Bengal, with defacement of properties topping the list, and taken action in over a 100 of them, an official said Saturday.

According to assistant chief electoral officer Amitjyoti Bhattacharji, of the 185 cases registered so far since the announcement of Lok Sabha polls March 5, decisive action has been taken in 106 while the remaining 79 are under the scanner.

"Majority of the complaints were related to defacement of public and private properties. We have taken action in majority of the complaints," he said.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India-Marxist has petitioned the commission to "relax" rules set by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board dealing with prohibition of use of loudspeakers etc. during examinations, the official said.

The party has argued that with the Central Board of Secondary Education examinations being conducted till April 25, which coincide with the Lok Sabha elections, campaigning will be affected if restrictions are put in place.

"We are looking into it and will issue immediate instructions," said Bhattacharji.