Expressing concern over the killing of BJP activists during the recent panchayat polls in West Bengal, Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir today said there are "problems" with the law and order situation in the state.
"We have seen how BJP activists were killed during the last panchayat elections in West Bengal. This is the only state in India where Opposition parties are not allowed to file nominations. Violence during the polls is a matter of challenge for smooth functioning of democracy.
"As we have seen the media reports during the polls, the elections were marred with violence. This is not good for democracy. There are some problems with the law and order situation in the state," the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs told reporters here.
Ahir also said that it is the duty of the West Bengal government to oversee the law and order situation, as it is a state subject.
"Law and order is a state subject. But, when a incident happens, then we seek report. It is the duty of the state government to take care of the law and order situation," he said.
The single-phase panchayat elections in the state in May saw widespread violence, which claimed at least 12 lives and injured 43 persons.
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