Senior BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP Ravi Shankar Prasad launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday and asked her why aren't the police taking any action on the violence which was carried out during the counting of votes for the Panchayat Polls 2023 in the state. Prasad said that he met with so many victims, and asked them if they had filed any complaint and if any action was taken upon it or not. He added that he got a constant response from everyone that everyone filed a complaint but still no action was taken, as reported by news agency ANI.
While talking to the media, the MP said, “Painful scenarios were witnessed at people’s houses who were attacked during West Bengal Panchayat elections. Homes were damaged, and CCTVs were broken. Everything was destroyed. There is no action by the police. Women, kids, elderly… no one was spared. People are scared... We met the governor and sought police action in the matter. It is unfortunate. Everything is up to the governor."
Prasad talked about a victim named Shantanu Patra and said, "He works in Tamil Nadu. He made some savings and built a house. His only fault was that he hung a portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his house. The destruction that his house suffered was not acceptable. He ran from there or he might have been killed as well."
The Bengal panchayat elections, held on July 8 and 10 (repolling), were marked by massive violence that included bombing, shooting, and murders. As many as 33 people were killed between June 8, when the panchayat elections were announced, and July 8 (polling day), with more than 60% of the overall fatalities belonging to the TMC. As many as 18 murders were recorded on July 8. Another seven murders were reported in the next three days.
The counting day was also marked by unrest as clashes and bombings were reported outside several counting centres, including those in Nandigram, Diamond Harbour, Howrah, and other places. Reports of clashes between political workers and security forces were reported from various districts. The winning candidate from CPI(M) candidate in Baruipur's Kalyanpur was allegedly thrashed as he had secured a victory, even after four rounds of counting. In Bali, a Trinamool polling agent alleged that he was thrashed by supporters of rival parties. A BJP MLA's convoy was attacked in Bankura's Shaltora.
In the wake of the violence on counting day, Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose issued a stern warning: "There will be a relentless fight against growing violence in Bengal. Those who commit violence in the field will be made to curse the day they are born. All authorities will come down with a heavy hand on the goons and lawbreakers..."