The Hindu : National : No satisfactory explanation: Left

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 03, 2006

National

National

No satisfactory explanation: Left

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Left parties on Thursday said there was no satisfactory explanation for declaring a five-phase polling in West Bengal and a three-phase polling in Kerala.

The CPI (M), CPI, AIFB and the RSP said there was no reason for having extended polling in the two States. Kerala has had only single day elections and West Bengal not more than two phases. "There is no satisfactory explanation for this unprecedented decision, especially when the Commission has decided on a one-phase polling in Tamil Nadu," a statement issued by the parties said.

The Left parties were confident that the people of the two States would exercise their franchise and participate effectively in the elections on a large scale, the statement said.

Discriminatory

Kolkata Special Correspondent writes:

Chairman of the ruling Left Front committee in West Bengal Biman Bose said the election schedule for the State was "discriminatory." "It is unwarranted and unprecedented," Mr. Bose said.

"Even in Jammu and Kashmir and Bihar, elections were held in four phases. No thought has been given to the 4.5 lakh secondary and higher secondary examinees and those who will be appearing for the joint entrance examinations that begin on April 22. The Opposition has welcomed the schedule as they are indifferent to the fate of these students," Mr. Bose said.

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