PM calls Guv, BJP goes to SC on Bengal clashes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi rang the West Bengal governor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda rushed to Kolkata on Tuesday as post-poll violence rocked West Bengal and left several houses torched and party offices ransacked.

The BJP blamed the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which won a thumping victory in assembly elections two days ago, for the violence that affected at least six districts and said ruling party goons attacked women and killed nine BJP workers. The party also approached the Supreme Court demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the violence.

In response, TMC said many of the allegations were fake and pointed out that three of its party workers were also killed. Party chief Mamata Banerjee also appealed for peace. The state police didn’t confirm the death toll of either parties.

The BJP has announced a nationwide agitation on the

KOLKATA/NEW DELHI:

issue on Wednesday, coinciding with TMC chief Mamata Banerjee’s oath-taking ceremony in Kolkata. Bengal has a decadeslong history of political violence, especially around and after elections.

”PM (Prime Minister) called and expressed his serious anguish and concern at alarmingly worrisome law & order situation @Mamataofficial. I share grave concerns @Pmoindia given that violence vandalism, arson, loot and killings continue unabated. Concerned must act in overdrive to restore order,” Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar tweeted.

The TMC hit back. “PM makes a call to West Bengal governor on ‘political violence’. (Exaggerated 214%). Stop the stunts, Mr

PTI BJP president JP Nadda visits the family of Abhijit Sarkar, who allegedly died in post-poll violence, in Kolkata on Tuesday.