CPI-M calls for movement against poll violence

Strongly condemning the recent attacks on children, CPI-M's West Bengal state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra on Thursday called upon the people of the state to build up a movement against political violence.

He accused the ruling Trinamool Congress indulging in electoral malpractices in nearly 400 booths during the last phase of assembly polls involving 25 constituencies in Cooch Behar and East Midnapore.

Referring to the recent five incidents where children have ended being victim of poll violence, Mishra slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government.

"We have seen how post poll violence has been rising. Several incidents have happened across the state but what is most inhuman is, five children have been attacked.

"Words are not enough to condemn such incidents. The chief minister has not bothered to enquire about the children in any of the cases and to top that either the perpetrators have not been arrested or if arrested, they have been released on bail.

"I will urge the people not to fall prey to any kind of provocation and build up a movement against these attacks," added Mishra.

On the polls, he said: "The Election Commission and the police have generally tried to discharge their responsibilities, but there have been exceptions.

"In East Midnapore, in at least 331 booths and in Cooch Behar in 60 of the booths our polling agents were driven out or not allowed to enter.

"In all these booths, attempts were made by Trinamool to capture votes, intimidate and prevent voters, booth jamming and the likes," said Mishra.

"Except for a few sporadic incidents, polling in the 25 seats was more or less peaceful. People have been able to exercise their democratic right," he said.

He also exuded confidence of the Left Front-Congress nominees emerging victorious in at least 20 of the 25 seats that went to the poll on the day.

"I had earlier said the last phase will ring the death knell for this government... that is what has happened. Four or five seats being exceptions, in rest of the 20 we fought to win. There is no doubt that the Left Cong nominees will win in these seats," he said.

--IANS

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