Widespread violence marred Panchayat elections in West Bengal, leaving at least 18 people dead and over 200 people injured on Monday. Most of the victims were either BJP workers or supporters. Amid lawlessness and anarchy, around 73 per cent of voting was recorded till 5 pm, IANS reported.
Considering the scenario, the State Election Commission (SEC) is likely to order re-polling in 8-10 booths. The SCE had earlier refused the Opposition”s demand for deployment of central forces. It has been alleged that the SCE was acting at the behest of the ruling TMC. The Calcutta High Court had warned the government that any violence would make senior officers personally and jointly liable. In this backdrop, a group of lawyers from the Bar Association also moved to court seeking contempt proceedings against the SEC and the Mamata Government.
A family which allegedly refused to join the TMC was burnt alive by the TMC henchmen in Kakdwip, South 24 Paragana District. In Beldangana of Murshidabad district, BJP worker Tapan Das Mandal was shot dead by the Trinamool goons. Among those who were injured, some of them sustaining life-threatening injuries.
Union Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from the State Government following the incidents of violence. The Opposition parties have already met West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi seeking his urgent intervention.
Death in poll violence “closer to normal”: Derek O”Brien
Trinamool Congress leader and MP Derek O”Brien said that panchayat election in West Bengal has a history of violence. Justifying the gruesome murders and widespread violence, he said that the death in the violence in the state today is “closer to normal” than earlier times. Comparing with the political violence under previous CPM regime, Derek O”Brien said that 400 were killed in poll violence under the CPM rule in West Bengal in the 90s while 40 were killed alone in 2003.
I pity Derek, impose President”s rule: Babul Supriyo
Union Minister Babul Supriyo demanded President”s rule in West Bengal against the backdrop of severe violence erupted during panchayat polls. “Bengal government is shameless. You cannot expect them to follow any kind of constitutional behaviour,” he told ANI. “Where is Mamata? Is she polishing her PM ambitions?” Supriyo said after five were killed in the violence today. On TMC”s Derek O”Brien”s statement, Supriyo said, “I pity Derek. I feel ashamed to say he has been a friend.”
