Attack on BJP workers, leader: MHA seeks reports from UP, Bengal

The murder of BJP leader Vijay Pandit Saturday in the Dadri area of Uttar Pradesh has also prompted the Centre to seek a report from the UP government.

On May 26, more than 20 BJP supporters and workers were attacked in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Praganas district of West Bengal. A few days later, a BJP worker was murdered at Ketugram in Burdwan district. A five-member team of senior BJP leaders who visited the state last week also met chief secretary Sanjay Mitra. A BJP central team is scheduled to visit West Bengal for the second time to assess the ground situation in the wake of the murder of another BJP worker, belonging to a minority community, on June 7 at Illambazar in Birbhum district. He was allegedly killed by Trinamool Congress supporters.

A senior ministry official said though the attack on BJP activists was a state subject, they had asked for a report as it could lead to tension and retaliatory killings in the state.

“We have been monitoring the situation and have asked both UP and Bengal governments to come up with the reports. There are several ground reports also coming from the states leading to political rivalry and killings, which can spiral out of control,” said a senior police officer.

“Though law and order is a state subject, when the situation reaches alarming stage, we seek a report from the state concerned. Both the state governments are yet to submit their reports. Based on their replies and the situation in the coming days, the Centre will decide the future course of action,” added the official.