Explain united Muslim appeal, EC to Mamta Banerjee

The Election Commission on Wednesday issued a notice to Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for openly demanding votes on communal grounds while campaigning in Tarakeshwar in Hooghly district on April 3 and  has asked her to respond to its notice within 48 hours, failing which the Commission said it would "take a decision without further reference to you, said the notice. The notice is based on a complaint by a BJP delegation led by Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

The Election Commission said after examining an authenticated transcript of Mamata Banerjee's speech from the said date, it is of the view that she has violated the Representation of People Act, 1951 and also the Model code of Conduct for elections. On Tuesday Prime Minister Narendra Modi - campaigning in Cooch Behar ahead of the fourth phase on April 10 - took a swipe at Ms Banerjee over these comments.

Speaking at the rally, Banerjee urged the Muslim voters to not vote for the BJP. "I am requesting my minority brothers and sisters with folded hands; don’t divide the minority votes after listening to the devil (Shaitaan) person who had taken money from the BJP. He passes many communal statements and initiate clashes between the Hindu and the Muslims. He is one of the apostles of the BJP, a BJP comrade. The comrades of CPM and BJP is roaming around with the money given by BJP to divide the minority-votes," said Banerjee. The remarks have been highlighted by the ECI in its notice.