West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, on Friday, reached Murshidabad district to take stock of the violence-hit areas, a day ahead of the rural state polls. Later in the day, he will hold meetings with senior officers, according to a PTI report. The Governor will visit places like Khargram, Domkal, Beldanga, and Navagram where clashes among political parties have been reported in the run-up to the rural polls. Bose reached Berhampore, the district headquarters by train this morning and is expected to visit some places before returning to Kolkata in the evening.
As per a PTI report, fresh violence was reported in the Ranninagar area of Murshidabad.
Earlier, Bose visited Bhangar, Canning and Basanti in South 24 Parganas, and also in Cooch Behar district where clashes broke out between political parties.
On Thursday, the Governor alleged that State Election Commissioner (SEC) Rajiva Sinha failed in discharging his duties during the panchayat elections. While addressing a press conference, Bose urged Sinha to ensure that people’s lives are protected during the Saturday polls.
The Governor has opened a 'Peace Home' at the Raj Bhavan to address the complaints of the common people.
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Tapas Roy commented on the violence in Murshidabad and called for the party to behave in a “responsible manner and should not provoke”.
So far, 16 people have been killed in violence connected to the elections in the state, according to officials.
Around 5.67 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the three-tier panchayat system, comprising zilla parishad, panchayat samiti and gram panchayat.