After BJP team, CPI(M) delegation denied entry to Kaliachak

Kolkata, Jan 11: In the second such incident today, a CPI(M) delegation was denied permission to visit violence-hit Kaliachak in West Bengal's Malda district hours after a BJP team was stopped from going to the area by district authorities citing prohibitory orders.

"I along with my party leader was going to Kaliachak. It was pre-planned, but all of a sudden a huge police contingent stopped us. We were stopped at Amriti area of Malda, which is 35 km from Kaliachak.

"I told them that being an MP it is my duty to find the facts and talk to the people. But, they said they can't allow me," CPI(M) MP and Politburo member Mohammed Salim told PTI. "I want to ask the administration what are they trying to hide that they are stopping all other political parties? he asked.

Earlier in the day a team of BJP MPs were denied permission to visit Kaliachak, drawing a sharp attack from the party, which accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of playing "vote bank" politics and said it would take the matter to the President.

West Bengal's ruling TMC mounted a swift counteroffensive, charging the BJP with "whipping up communalism" ahead of the state assembly elections.

PTI