West Bengal governor Tripathi visits riot- hit areas, appeals for peace
Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, who was allegedly barred by the Mamata Banerjee government from visiting violence- hit Raniganj and Asansol in Burdwan West in wake of the clashes during Ramnavami festival celebrations, finally succeeded in taking stock of the ground realities in the troubled areas on Saturday, a day before a BJP central delegation's visit which has however been tactfully ruled out by the state government on the grounds of the enforcement of the model code of conduct ( MCC) since the Panchayat Elections schedule have been announced.
Mr Tripathi also interacted with the people affected in the violence. According to Mr Tripathi, his visit was aimed at sending the message of peace. Sources claimed that the state government did not raise any objection when the Governor wished to visit parts of the district again. Travelling to Asansol from Kolkata in the morning Mr Tripathi also held
a meeting with the senior administration officials. Burdwan West district magistrate Shashank Shethi, Inspector General ( West Zone) Rajiv Mishra and Asansol- Durgapur police commissioner L N Meena were present at the meeting.
After visiting Asansol, he went to Raniganj. Mr Tripathi later said, “I had planned to visit Raniganj and Asansol two days earlier. But for certain reasons that visit could not materialise. I have come here today to apprise myself of the situation prevailing in Raniganj and Asansol.”