Mamata Banerjee questions EC decision to conduct Bengal polls in 8 phases

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday questioned whether the polling dates for the forthcoming election in the state have been set to suit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Addressing a presser after Election Commission announced poll dates for 4 states, Puducherry, Mamata Banerjee said, "I respect EC's decision, but why break-up the districts. South 24 Parganas is our stronghold, voting there will be held in 3 different phases. Has this been done as per Modi and Shah's convenience?" "I request the Election Commission to consider West Bengal as their own state, not through the eyes of BJP," Mamata Banerjee said.