BJP workers also taking up arms, but in self defence: Sinha

The BJP today slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government over deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal saying its party workers have no other alternative, but to take up arms in self-defence.

"Recurrence of violence in Parui and Sattore in Birbhum district along with several other parts in the state, has forced our workers to take up arms in self defence to retaliate against attacks by TMC-aided goons with the help of the police," BJP state president Rahul Sinha said here.

Sinha said he had already apprised the entire law and order situation to Governor K N Tripathi. "We shall draw attention of the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on growing violence in the state during his visit on May 26 and also urge him to take up the issue with the state government to stop violence," he said.

"Nobody is safe here except the blind supporters of TMC. Even the State Election Commissioner S R Upadhyay can't avoid the heat of the ruling TMC's anger," Sinha said.

"There is no new industry, but a large number of arms and bomb manufacturing units have come up in the state from Khagragarh to Pingla. Even arms and bombs are being exported to neighbouring Bangladesh. Urging the Chief Minister for steps against this is of no use," Sinha alleged.

Stating that violence was spreading to Ilambazar and Rampurhat areas of the district, he said the TMC was resorting to the politics of arms with goons to threat those who were joining the BJP.