Trinamool wants to replace democracy with partycracy: Left Front

Kolkata, April 19 (IANS) West Bengal's opposition Left Front Friday accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of attacking the democratic setup and trying to establish a "partycracy" in the state.

"Democratic procedure must go on without hindrance. Those who are running in the government are attacking democracy and the democratic setup," Front chairman Biman Bose said here.

Bose alleged that the Kolkata district Left Front had asked for an appointment with the commissioner of police, but he "straightaway rejected it" saying he could not accept any deputation from the Left.

"I don't remember any such incident where a commissioner of police has refused to accept deputation from anyone in Kolkata after Independence," he said, wondering if the "commissioner of police was not willing to meet (Left Front) under the pressure of partycracy".

"Democracy is being repeatedly attacked, and Trinamool Congress is trying to destroy democracy to promote partycracy," he said.

Before coming to power, the Trinamool Congress had asked the people to vote them to power so that democracy could be protected from partycracy, but now they themselves are destroying democracy, Bose alleged.

The Left Front was planning to hold a convention after April 30 in the city demanding restoration of peace and democracy. Parties other than those of Left Front constituents can also participate in the convention.