Trinamool competing with itself to unleash terror: Left

Claiming that 25 people have been killed since the ongoing panchayat polls began in West Bengal, the Left Front Tuesday accused the ruling Trinamool Congress leaders of competing among themselves in unleashing violence and terror.

"So far 25 people, including women and a child, have been killed in poll-related violence across the state since the panchayat polls began," Left Front chairman Biman Bose said here.

Demanding the arrest of Trinamool's Birbhum district president Anubrata Mandal for inciting violence, Bose said: "Their leaders are competing among themselves to show who can unleash more terror. Had Mandal been arrested earlier when he had issued the threats, such large-scale violence may have been averted."

Mandal has gained notoriety during the ongoing polls for asking partymen and supporters to tackle opponents and police with violence.

"If Independent candidates issue threats, set fire to their houses. If the administration thinks of supporting Independents, hurl bombs at police and the administration," Mandal said recently.

Following Mandal's comments, Trinamool legislator Monirul Islam Sunday publicly threatened to decapitate a Congress leader.

A Left Front delegation will meet the State Election Commissioner to discuss security measures for the counting of votes slated for July 29.