May 14, 2018: Six people were killed in different violent incidents during polling of the Panchayat elections in West Bengal since Monday morning. Violence was reported from 24 Parganas South and North, Nadia and Murshidabad districts.
Polling is taking place in 37,000 seats in three different tiers of Gram Panchayet, Panchayet Samity and Zila Parishsd. It is being taking place after directives of the court in several cases concerning the panchayat elections.
Over 60% polling has been recorded till 3pm. However, in 34 percent of seats, where only one candidate has filed nomination, the declaration of result has been stalled by the order of Supreme Court.
72,000 of police personnel along with forces from neighbouring state of Sikkim have been deployed. The counting for the single-phase polls will take place on May 17.
Union Minister Babul Supriyo on Monday said that Bengal government is a shameless government and one cannot expect them to follow any kind of constitutional behavior. He also demanded President’s Rule in the state.
West Bengal BJP state President Dilip Ghosh on Monday demanded re-polling on some violence hit areas in Panchayat elections. Addressing media in Kolkata, he said that a brief report on poll violence will be submitted before the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Reacting on violence during West Bengal panchayat elections, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the politics of terror and violence is shameful and unfortunate.
Opposition parties in West Bengal have also expressed concern over violence during Panchayat Elections. CPI leader Atul Anjan said that there is no place for violence in a democratic set up.
Following accusations in the aftermath of the violence, Trinamool Congress government in the state has said by leveling all these allegations, the opposition is trying to stall the Panchayat elections. (DD News)
