Coronavirus: Bengal civic polls deferred

The civic polls in West Bengal have been postponed owing to the situation related to the coronavirus infection, the state poll panel chief announced on Monday.

Kolkata, March 16 The civic polls in West Bengal have been postponed owing to the situation related to the coronavirus infection, the state poll panel chief announced on Monday.

"Because of the situation related to the coronavirus disease, We have postponed it. Depending upon the situation, we will revisit it and review... it will be done 15 days later," State Election Commissioner Saurabh Kumar Das told media persons after an all-party meeting.

He however, said the preparations for the polls have not been affected due to the outbreak of the disease.

"The vote has been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Neither the preparedness, nor the process has been delayed," he said.

Earlier, at the all party meeting, all the principal political outfits suggested the polls, earlier tentatively scheduled for the third week of April, be deferred.

Interacting with media persons after a high-level meeting at the state secretariat Nabanna, Chief Minister and ruling Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee said her government and party has pitched for deferment of the polls.

"Our topmost priority at this moment is combating coronavirus. Now we need to give protection to human beings. The civic election is also our priority, but there won't be any problem if the dates are pushed back," she said.

( With inputs from IANS )