BJP on Sunday slammed the Bengal government and the state Election Commission for not taking any action against the ongoing violence and stated that ‘both state government and the EC are sitting silent.’
Also Read: BJP on West Bengal panchayat poll violence: ‘Black chapter in the history of democracy’
West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said, while speaking to ANI, “CM is saying one thing and Saugata Roy is saying something else. On the basis of govt report, State Election Commission is saying no one died and no political clash happened. Both state government and the EC are sitting silent and are not doing anything to stop violence. “
We thank the Governor who is trying to save the people of Bengal, he added. The Canning area in South 24 Parganas district witnessed sporadic violence between two groups of Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers ahead of panchayat polls.To maintain order, heavy security deployments have been made in the South 24 Parganas district.
Also Read: West Bengal: TMC, BJP workers clash at Sahebganj’s BDO office, MoS Nisith Pramanik attacked
After paying a visit to violence-hit district, Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday said that he was “deeply distressed” with the clashes which took place on the last day of filing nominations for the panchayat elections.
Also Read: Bengal election commission moves Supreme Court over Calcutta HC’s order on panchayat polls
“I had seen myself what happened here. I have heard that it is a war. I am deeply distressed. This is not an acceptable situation. The common man has their rights. Many things have been reported here,” the Governor said while addressing a press conference here.
He further said that being a “custodian of the Constitution”, he cannot let these incidents happen.
“I have a commitment. We the people of India make our Constitution. Governor is a custodian of the Constitution and I defend it. Unfortunately, in some pockets, I have visited. I have met the victims. I am determined to stand by the people,” he added.
The panchayat elections in West Bengal will be held in a single phase on July 8, with the counting of votes scheduled for July 11.
The panchayat polls in West Bengal are likely to see a fierce contest between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress, which is being touted as a litmus test for both parties ahead of next year’s Lok Sabha elections.
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Updated: 18 Jun 2023, 01:28 PM IST