The state election commission on Monday asked district administrations to ensure that candidates who filed papers for the panchayat polls didn’t withdraw their nominations under duress.

“I am directed to inform you that under no circumstances the notice of withdrawal of candidature may be accepted unless the candidate delivers it in person or by his/her proposer or election agent who has been authorised in writing by the candidate. The Panchayat Returning Officer must be satisfied as to the genuineness of the notice and the identity of the person delivering it before accepting the notice of the withdrawal,” reads the order issued by the secretary, Nilanjan Sandilya, of the poll panel.

Sources in the state poll panel said the order was a reiteration of Section 50 of the West Bengal Panchayat Elections Act, 2003.

The order was issued amid complaints that the Trinamul Congress was forcing Opposition nominees to opt out of the race, said a source.

“The election commission is trying to make the process of withdrawal of candidature difficult this time.... Some political parties have already started lodging complaints that their candidates are being threatened. So, the district authorities have been reminded of their responsibilities,” said a source in the poll panel while adding that such orders were issued in a routine manner every year.

“This year, the matter is a bit different in view of the kind of attention the rural polls are getting.... Besides, the matter is also in the court,” said the source.

Sources aware of the development said the poll panel was desperate to send out a message that it wouldn’t be a mute spectator if the election process was vitiated. The commission is under pressure as several questions have already been raised on the manner the poll date was announced.

The poll panel had on Sunday asked the district authorities to impose prohibitory orders in a radius of 1km of the nomination venues to curb violent incidents as a part of its attempt to gain the confidence of the Opposition parties. Despite this move, several incidents were reported where Opposition candidates were allegedly prevented from filing nominations on Monday, the third day of nominations, said sources.

“Against this backdrop, the poll panel tried to send another message that it would take all necessary steps to make the elections free and fair, particularly by addressing the issues raised by the Opposition parties,” said a bureaucrat.

The Opposition parties, however, are not convinced and they want the poll panel to walk the talk and ensure a level playing field.

“Usually, the last date for the withdrawal of nominations would be scheduled for the day after the scrutiny.This year, the last date for nominations is June 15 and the scrutiny of nominationswill be on June 17. But the last date of withdrawal is June 20. We have already raised questions whether such a long window before the withdrawal was given to help Trinamul cadres put pressure on Opposition candidates,” said Jagannath Chattopadhyay, the general secretary of Bengal BJP.

“The commission should ensure a smooth nomination process first and then it has to ensure that the Section 50 of the West Bengal Panchayat Elections Act, 2003 is implemented in letter and spirit,” he added.