But the 19-hour reduction does not stand in the way of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s last rallies in Bengal in this election. Many wondered why the campaign curfew did not kick in from Wednesday night itself if the law and order situation was so bad. A senior Election Commission source said the panel was not aware of the campaign schedules of the Prime Minister or other leaders, and that all parties have an equal opportunity to campaign on Thursday. BJP leader and finance minister Arun Jaitley defended the Election Commission order, saying it shows there is a classical case of breakdown of the constitutional machinery in Bengal. Accusing the commission of inaction in Bengal, he added: “From day one, the Election Commission has been biased with regard to Bengal.

Source: The Telegraph May 15, 2019 23:48 UTC