At least 12 dead as violence mars WB panchayat polls

Kolkata, Agencies: Bengal’s rural polls drew towards a bloody finish as 12 people died, bombs exploded and all parties leveled allegations of strong arm tactics against their rivals on Saturday.

Twelve people, including eight from the ruling TMC and one worker each of the BJP, CPI(M), Congress and ISF died since midnight in the crucial three-tier panchayat polls, officials said.

The election which is being seen by analysts as a litmus test for the 2024 parliamentary elections, also witnessed scenes of ballot boxes being stolen and burnt and of public anger against political workers.

Among flashpoints were Murshidabad, Nadia and Cooch Behar districts besides pockets in South 24 Parganas such as Bhangar and in Purba Medinipur’s Nandigram.

Political parties made accusations and counter-accusations as the day lengthened.

TMC’s senior minister Sashi Panja said, “Shocking incidents are being reported since last night. BJP, CPI(M) and Congress have colluded.”

She also raised questions on the role of the central forces. State Election body has said that the poll body will look into the allegations of rigging and decide on repolling based on reports from observers and returning officers.

'Oppn orchestrated violence'

The ruling TMC accused the Opposition of orchestrating violence during the panchayat polls in West Bengal, while asserting that the party will emerge victorious in a majority of the seats when the votes are counted on July 11.

Dismissing allegations of the state administration letting loose a reign of terror, state minister Bratya Basu claimed that it is the Trinamool Congress which has been at the "receiving end of the violence perpetuated by the opposition".

"Of the nearly 61,000 booths, incidents were reported in only 60. So, one can ascertain the ratio of violence...it is lesser than one per cent," another minister, Shashi Panja, said.