Mamata Banerjee stages dharna to protest against Election Commission’s ban order

Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday sat on a dharna in the heart of the city to protest against the Election Commission’s “unconstitutional” decision to ban her from campaigning for 24 hours. Banerjee, still confined to a wheelchair owing to the injuries she sustained last month, arrived at Mayo road around 11.40 am and began her protest at the Gandhi Statue in Kolkata. No TMC leaders or supporters were spotted nearby. A senior TMC leader, when approached, said, “No party leaders are allowed near the site of the protest. She is sitting there alone.” The Election Commission has barred Banerjee from campaigning for 24 hours from Monday 8 pm for her remarks against central forces and a statement that had alleged religious overtones. Banerjee, lashing out at the poll panel, had said on Twitter that she would hold a protest against the poll panel’s “unconstitutional and undemocratic” decision.