Violence continues on second day of filing nominations for Bengal panchayat polls

Meanwhile, at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district, TMC workers were accused of assaulting a government official after he distributed nomination forms to Indian Secular Front (ISF) candidates. The incident took place at Bhangar II block. A government official at the BDO office, Bidyut Ghosh had given the nomination form to an ISF worker, Saim Karim. Angered by this, some local TMC workers beat up the government official. TMC MLA Shaukat Mollah said action would be taken against party workers if the allegations were proved true. “I have not heard that such an incident has taken place. I will definitely ask around. If found true, strong action will be taken from our side. Assault on government officials cannot be tolerated,” said Mollah.

Menwhile, at Labhpur and Naroor areas in Birbhum district, BJP workers were allegedly prevented by TMC supporters from filing their papers. Similar incidents were also reported from Bankura district.

In the wake of the alleged instances of violence, senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has directed party leaders and workers not to indulge in any kind of violence during the election process. Sources said he also urged partymen to help Opposition workers if they face difficulties in submitting their papers and not to enter into fights with anyone.

The BJP, meanwhile, hit out at the ruling party for unleashing a reign of terror in the state. Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari tweeted, “Reports of clashes are pouring in from different parts of WB. @BJP4Bengal Candidates are being blocked from filing nominations at Labhpur; Birbhum district, by the TMC Goons. Our Candidates & Party Leaders have suffered serious injuries. TMC anti-socials have established a reign of terror in Domkal; Murshidabad district. They are thrashing up opposition candidates who are trying to reach the BDO Office for filing nominations. A TMC leader could be seen brandishing gun.”

The BJP MLA from Nandigram added, “Civic Volunteers; in a clear case of violation of the Hon’ble High Court’s Order, can be seen ‘lathi charging’ at people, especially the opposition party workers. Mamata Banerjee; scared by the Nominations filed by BJP Candidates yesterday, has ordered the Police to arrest BJP workers en masse across the State on false & frivolous charges, to restrict them from participating in the Election process. We are resisting and we can’t be deterred.”
Senior CPM leader Sujan Chakraborty slammed the State Election Commission for failing to curb the violence.

“It is evident that the state election commission is under-prepared to hold the panchayat election. TMC goons are having a field day in preventing opposition workers from filing nominations and intimidating the people. The state election commission is working to help the ruling party rather than providing a level playing field to all political parties,” said Chakraborty.

State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury lashed out at the TMC. “If the police conduct a proper search, several pistols will be recovered from TMC leaders. In reality, the TMC wants to loot the votes that’s why their leaders are carrying firearms. It is unfortunate and we strongly condemn this,” said Chowdhury.

State poll panel chief meets party leaders

After facing criticism from Governor C V Ananda Bose, State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha on Saturday convened a meeting with leaders of political parties at the State Election Commission office. Opposition parties had criticised the state poll panel for issuing the election notification without holding an all-party meeting.

Earlier in the day, state election commissioner Rajiva Sinha called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan. Sources said Sinha was pulled up by Governor Bose over several issues, including that concerning the all-party meeting.

Soon after the meeting, Sinha announced a meeting with delegations from political parties at the commission’s office. Leaders of Opposition parties, during the meeting, asked the State Election Commission to extend the date for filing of nomination papers, deploy central forces, allow online filing of nomination papers, allow filing of nomination at DM office and SEC office, 100 per cent CCTV coverage at polling booths and no use of contractual employees and civic volunteers in the election process.