CM expresses fear of violence in N Bengal
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday expressed apprehension of violence a day before the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in North Bengal.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday condemned the attack on and death of 14 Trinamul Congress workers over panchayat poll-related violence in the state.
“Till now, 14 of our workers have been killed in violence. It seems to be a one-sided battle where our workers are being attacked and murdered. I want neither my party workers to die nor the death of workers of any other political party or any other person,” said Miss Banerjee while leaving Nabanna this evening.
The Trinamul Congress leaders’ death took the number of those killed to 14. Since nominations began on 2 April, the election process has been marked by intimidation and violence.
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The Opposition parties have repeatedly claimed of being attacked by ruling Trinamool Congress leaders who have allegedly prevented them from filing nomination or campaigning for the rural polls.
They have lodged complaints against the Trinamul Congress with the West Bengal State Election Commission. The Trinamul Congress, on the other hand, has blamed the Opposition for the violence.
Without naming the BJP or any other Opposition party, Miss Banerjee said that those who are involved in violence, murder and in vandalising property and torching houses are the ones who are lodging complaints of violence and torture.
“They (read Opposition) are trying to escape polls by spreading lies and lodging complaints against us. They are playing the devil’s drama,” Miss Banerjee said.
She accused the Opposition parties of taking protection from a certain section of the media as well as from other quarters.
Miss Banerjee said that across the country, political parties have lost the decency that democracy demands.
“Earlier, a political party used to think before saying anything but now political courtesy has been lost. Bengal is a cultural hub. Elections will come and go but what will happen after that?” she questioned.
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