Guv at Asansol, calls for peace THREE-PHASE PANCHAYAT POLLS IN MAY

Kolkata, March 31: West Bengal Governor K. N. Tripathi on Saturday met the victims of the riot-hit areas of Asansol and Raniganj and appealed for peace, saying people from all religions should respect each other's festivals.

One person was killed and two police officers suffered serious injuries on Monday when clashes broke out between two groups over a Ram Navami procession in the Raniganj area of Bardhaman West district.

The violence fanned out to Asansol areas, prompting police to suspend Internet services and clamp prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in the trouble-torn areas of the district.

The governor, who reached Asansol in the morning, held a meeting with senior police and administration officials and took stock of the situation.

Later, he visited some of the affected areas of Raniganj and Asansol and spoke to the local residents. He visited the shops that were gutted during the violence.

“Peace should be paramount. I have come here with the message of peace and brotherhood. Everybody should live in peace and respect each other. There should not be any recurrence of such incidents,” he said. — PTI Kolkata, March 31: The West Bengal State Election Commission on Saturday announced three-phased panchayat polls in the state on May 1, 3 and 5.

The panchayat election assumes significance as it is the last major poll in the state before the general elections next year.

On May 1, polling will be held in 12 districts, while on May 3 voting will be held in two districts, State Election Commissioner (SEC) A K Singh told reporters here.

In the third phase, voting will be held in six districts, Singh said, adding panchayat polls will not be held in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

Repoll, if any, for the first phase will be held on May 3, for the second phase on May 5 and for the third phase on May 7.

Notification for the election was issued later in the day while the last date for filing nominations is April 9. The date of scrutiny of papers is April 11 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 16.

Counting of votes will take place on May 8, the SEC said. — PTI