BJP asks state government to maintain law and order

Kolkata, May 19: The BJP in West Bengal today claimed that more than 200 of its workers had been injured in post-poll violence and asked the state government to maintain law and order, or else it would seek Governor's intervention.

The Trinamool Congress has denied the charge and accused the BJP of fomenting violence. "This kind of terror and attack unleashed on BJP workers by goons of Trinamool Congress across the state is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," BJP spokesperson and in-charge of Bengal Siddharth Nath Singh told PTI.

"The government should take steps to book the culprits. Law and order is a state subject. If the state can't maintain law and order, the Centre will intervene through the Governor. Total goondaism is going on. This has to stop and can't be tolerated," Singh said.

West Bengal BJP general secretary Samik Bhattacharya said that more than 200 BJP workers had been injured in attacks wherever the party performed well in the Lok Sabha poll, either in an Assembly segment or a municipal area.

"BJP workers are being singled out for attacks. This is mockery of democracy. Tomorrow we will submit deputation to the North 24 Paraganas Police superintendent," he said.

Reacting to the allegation, TMC MP Idris Ali said, "We don't believe in violence. Rather, the BJP is trying to instigate violence in the state. Our leader Mamata Banerjee has even asked not to conduct any victory rally."

PTI