CPI(M) fears violence, intimidation post counting

Apprehending "widespread" violence and intimidation by Trinamool Congress members during and after the counting, CPI(M) today asked the Election Commission to ensure adequate security measures in West Bengal.
Party Politburo member Sitaram Yechury met Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath today and urged him to retain security measures after elections as well as there were "fears of reprisals" by Trinamool Congress against their opponents.
"We drew the attention of the CEC towards these apprehensions and we told them that during the counting process, adequate arrangements should be made whereby the counting agents of the opposition parties are provided security," Yechury told reporters.

"We are suggesting that the EC should display utmost vigilance, provide adequate security for the counting agents of all parties and other such measures," Yechury said.
Citing examples, he said that there were reports that EVMs are not properly protected and in some instances no election official has been assigned duty to remain at the centre during the night.
Yechuri said that there are also reports that identity cards of counting agents from opposition parties have been forcibly acquired by the members of ruling party.

"Proper security arrangements be made and they should continue post elections also because the past has shown that there are often reprisals by the Trinamool Congress against their opponents," Yechury said.

He said that the EC has assured that they will take all the necessary measures and the central para military forces which are present in the state will deployed.
"We hope that the counting process will not be disrupted like the last two phases of polling," he said.
"We put down everything in writing, from the point that arrangements should be made for video surveillance, arrangements in anticipation of power break downs... alternative arrangements for that and others," he said.
Asked about his view about the seats his party may get, he said,"The match has been played, the results will be declared tomorrow. Its a matter of few hours now."

On a question whether his party would support the BJP or the NDA, he said that there was no question of supporting BJP.