Mamata accuses poll panel of bias

Kolkata, April 8 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee Tuesday accused the Election Commission (EC) of being "biased".

"Our party posters and banners are being brought down, but those of the opposition have been left untouched. Despite our repeated complaints, the EC has not been taking action. It has been acting in a biased manner.

"I come from a humble background and always speak for the oppressed, that is why I am being targeted," Banerjee said addressing a party rally in Kotshila in Purulia district.

Her comments came a day after she refused to carry out the EC order of transferring eight state government officials from the election duty.

"Put me in jail. I will not remove a single officer as the chief minister," a fuming Banerjee said Monday challenging the EC's order.

Banerjee also accused the Congress-led central government of of hatching a conspiracy to create trouble in the state especially Junglemahal, the Maoist affected area in the state.

"Earlier 400-500 people were annually killed in Junglemahal. But there is peace here now, but some people do not like it. The police officers have been intentionally transferred to create trouble.

"No matter how much Delhi conspires against us, we will not let trouble to brew here again. Very few people have the courage to protest. They may arrest me, I will give my life but will never tolerate Bengal's insult," said Banerjee.

"I know what the constitution says, I respect the constitution," said Banerjee referring to the opposition, which has accused her of defying the constitution over her decision to not comply with the EC's order.