CPI(M) today accused Trinamool Congress of reaching a "covert understanding" with the Narendra Modi government over not sending central forces in the state ahead of civic polls.
"Both TMC and BJP have reached a covert understanding. Whether it is Saradha chitfund issue or sending central forces for the civic body polls, there is political understanding," state Leader of Opposition Surja Kanta Mishra said.
He also accused BJP and TMC of trying to divide the state along communal lines.
"Both TMC and BJP are trying to divide the state along communal lines. As long as the Left parties are here we won't allow the state to be divided communally," Mishra, a CPI(M) politburo member, said.
However, BJP state president Rahul Sinha dismissed the allegations and said he has spoken to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh who assured him that central forces would be sent for the conduct of free and fair municipal polls.
Mishra's charges proved the political bankruptcy of the Left, he said.
"I have told Rajnath Singh ji today that the state election commission and the other opposition parties have become completely demoralised after hearing that no central forces will be there for municipal polls. I have requested him to send central forces.
"After hearing this Rajnath ji said though time is short, he will try to send as many central forces as possible," Sinha told PTI.
Taking exception to Sinha's statement, TMC secretary general and Education minister Partha Chatterjee said it appeared as if Sinha is the chief minister.
"Such statement is unconstitutional. We condemn it," he said.
State Election Commissioner S R Upadhyay when asked about Sinha's statement said he was not aware of it.
He said the demand for central forces was a part of confidence building measure and the commission was committed for a peaceful poll for which cooperation among the police, administration and people was needed.
