Post-Poll Violence in Bengal Prompts PM to Dial WB Governor With “Anguish” Over the Situation

Violence in Bengal follows the election results; PM Calls the Governor of the state…learn more…

Wednesday, 5th May 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the Governor of West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankar on Tuesday expressing concerns over the worsening condition of law and order after the assembly election results were announced and the post-poll violence in the state.

The Governor took to social media to mention the conversation and wrote, “serious anguish and concern at alarmingly worrisome law and order situation @MamataOfficial.”

He also wrote on Twitter, “I share grave concerns @PMOIndia given that violence vandalism, arson. loot and killings continue unabated. Concerned must act in overdrive to restore order.”

The BJP has also moved the apex court demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the post-poll violence seen in West Bengal. The clash that erupted between Trinamool and BJP workers in the state allegedly left several dead and many injured.

Also Read: Results of the Assembly election imply that no policy shift towards populism will take place; stated Nomura

An allegation by BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya states that nine of their workers were killed and over 4,000 houses were ransacked during the incidents of violence in West Bengal.

In a caustic allegation hurled at the Trinamool-led government in the state, the BJP compared them with the Nazis and called the west Bengal TMC government fascist. They also did not fall short of attacking CM Mamata Banerjee and her party charging them with the killing of their party workers in the state sponsored violence.

WB CM Mamata Banerjee on the other hand urged the people to her state to maintain peace and calm and thrusted the blame of violence here on the BJP.

The third-time victorious Chief Minister said on Monday, “Bengal is a peace-loving place.” She also stated, “During the elections, there has been some heat and dust... The BJP did a lot of torture, also the CAPF. But I appeal to all for calm. Don't indulge in violence. If there is a dispute, inform the police. The police must manage law and order.”

Mamata Banerjee held a high profile emergency meeting on Tuesday where she sought an immediate termination of violence between TMC and BJP workers. It is also believed that she has instructed for action against the perpetrators and restoration of calm before her swearing in ceremony on Wednesday.

The meeting held at Banerjee’s residence was attended by Chief Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay, Home Secretary H K Dwivedi, DGP P Nirajnayan and Kolkata Police Commissioner Soumen Mitra. She ordered “strong action” including arrests and an increase in police surveillance and patrolling in volatile areas.

According to TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, the violence had also left several TMC workers dead. He also said, “In some incidents it is old BJP versus new BJP” alluding to intra-BJP rivalry and added while PM Modi did not find the time to congratulate Mamata Banerjee over her victory, he had called the Governor promptly on the matter of violence.

The News Talkie Bureau

Source:

Indianexpress