Left Front supporters facing coercion: Biman Bose

Apprehending that supporters coming to the Left's rally here Sunday might face coercion from West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress, Left Front chairman Biman Bose said the administration should ensure that these people were not targeted.

"I have heard reports from the districts that Left Front supporters who are gearing up to attend the rally are being attacked by the ruling party. The administration should see these things do not happen," Bose told media persons here.

He said it was the right of every political party to organise rallies and the people have the right to attend such gatherings. "The Trinamool Congress government repeatedly claims that democracy prevails in the state. But then ground situation do not match their claims"

Attacking the state government for refusing permission to the Left Front for arranging for the overnight stay of its supporters at the Salt Lake Stadium, Bose said: "In the name of democracy, there is one party rule".

The sprawling Brigade Parade ground will be the venue for the third major rally in 11 days Sunday.

While Trinamool supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a rally Jan 30, Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was the main attraction in another gathering Feb 2.