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I&B Minister Anurag Thakur alleges TMC involvement in WB poll violence

In a recent development, the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur, has accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) activists of orchestrating violence during the recently concluded West Bengal panchayat elections. The BJP leader, who was in Kolkata to congratulate his party’s winning candidates in the rural polls, claimed that over 57 people lost their lives in clashes.

Thakur pointed fingers at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that the violence was carried out according to her instructions. He further criticized the state’s law and order situation, holding Banerjee’s party responsible for the deterioration.

“The loss of 57 lives during the panchayat polls is a tragic consequence of fulfilling Mamata Banerjee’s wishes. Her party leaders, acting under her guidance, resorted to hooliganism,” Thakur stated, expressing concern over the situation.

Accusing Banerjee of providing shelter to hooligans and criminals for political gain, Thakur claimed that the BJP doubled its number of seats in the rural polls compared to previous elections. He interpreted the results as an indication that Banerjee’s political reign is gradually coming to an end.

In response to Thakur’s visit, State Industry Minister and TMC leader Shashi Panja questioned the timing, highlighting the ongoing issues in Manipur. Panja criticized Thakur for his previous controversial statement and alleged that he has escaped accountability due to his BJP affiliation.

Panja further criticized the BJP, accusing them of promoting violence and destabilizing democratically elected governments. She questioned the silence of the Prime Minister and other Union ministers on the situation in Manipur.

Despite Thakur’s visit and statements, West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim brushed off its potential impact. He refrained from engaging in discussions about parties that vandalize statues of legends, implying that such leaders would not gain much from visiting Kolkata.

The situation in West Bengal remains tense, and the allegations made by the Information and Broadcasting Minister have added fuel to the political fire in the state. As the matter continues to unfold, all eyes are on the authorities to ensure peace and stability in the region.