15 dead in W Bengal factory blast

‘‘Like the BJP did in Gujarat, the CPI(M) has unleashed a reign of terror in rural areas to ensure their victory in the forthcoming panchayat polls. And naturally our people will also react when repression becomes unbearable,’’ West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee chief Pranab Mukherjee said.

Trinamool leader Saugata Roy said: ‘‘It’s the CPI(M)’s style. Look at Kultali (in South 24 Parganas district). They are beating up SUCI supporters there. They have not spared the RSP, their Front partner in North Bengal.’’ The CPI(M) has denied the charges. ‘‘If the Opposition does not resort to violence there won’t be any trouble in the panchayat polls. It’s the responsibility of all political parties to maintain peace,’’ party’s state committee secretary Anil Biswas said.

Meanwhile, in Midnapore, toll in the clashes between the CPI(M) and the Jharkhand Party went up to five. In the latest phase of violence, CPI(M) zonal committee member Diwakar Malakar was shot dead allegedly by Jharkhand Party and Congress supporters on Saturday.

In retaliation, armed CPI(M) members allegedly set nine houses on fire at nearby Dubra village which is the stranglehold of the Jharkhand Party and the Congress.