Pol parties have democratic right to conduct programmes: WB

West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi feels that every political party has the "constitutional and democratic right" to conduct their programmes, a remark that comes against the backdrop of the state government denying permission to the BJP to hold a 'rath yatra'.

Commenting on political violence in West Bengal, Tripathi said violence should always be "deprecated and condemned" whether it is linked to political or criminal activities.

"In a democracy, political programmes are bound to take place. This is a part of constitutional and democratic right, and all parties should therefore obey the command of the Constitution and follow it in true spirit," Tripathi told PTI in an interview.

He was asked whether it is right for a state government to stop political parties from taking out rallies and yatras.

Tripathi however refrained from naming any particular political party or government.

The former BJP veteran's comments came at a time when the TMC government's denial of permission to the saffron party to take out a 'rath yatra' that would have criss-crossed the state's all 42 Lok Sabha seats ahead of the general elections has become a flashpoint between the two parties.

While appealing to the people of West Bengal to maintain peace and abide by law in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls, Tripathi said, "Violence should always be deprecated and condemned whether it is connected with political activities or criminal activities."
Referring to alleged rise in incidents of communal violence in West Bengal, Tripathi said, "Violence, because of communal reasons or otherwise, doesn't find favour with people."
When asked about the war of words he had with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the Basirhat riots, he said, "Every state has a duty to act impartially and maintain law and order as acting impartially engenders faith in the government."