BJP condemns repeated violence during panchayat polls in West Bengal

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has condemned the repeated instances of violence during the panchayat polls in West Bengal and blamed the state parties for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

BJP leader Balbir Punj said here that violence had become a part and parcel of the state since three decades ago when Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) came to power.

"Ever since the CPI-M came into power in West Bengal more than three decades ago violence has become central to all types of party politics in the state. It is a very sad situation. It is a threat to the democratic functioning and we condemn it," he said.

BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar also held the ruling Trinamool Congress party (TMC) as well as CPI-M responsible for the violence.

"We denounce the violence. Our party workers are also being attacked and this is not the democratic way of conducting the elections, and that is why we denounce this violence. Both Trinamool Congress (TMC) and CPI-M are responsible for the violence which has triggered," he said.

Since the panchayat polls commenced in West Bengal on July 11, the state has been witnessing violence due to clashes amongst different party workers . Some incidents have led to killings.

At least five people were injured when supporters of Congress and TMC clashed during the first-phase of polling on July 11.

The third phase of the panchayat election that was held July 19, also witnessed several instances of violence.

The police have registered a case and stated that they would investigate the matter, but so far no arrests have been made.