BJP Observes Black Day Against Reported Killing Of Party Workers In West Bengal

The BJP is observing a black day across West Bengal and a 12-hour ‘bandh’ over the alleged killing of party workers at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district on Monday (June 10, 2019). The state BJP workers sporting black badges took out rallies in several parts of the state.

Following the clash on Saturday, the state BJP unit announced that it would be observing a black day against deteriorating law and order situation in the state. During the clash, at least five BJP workers and three TMC worker have reportedly died and several workers are reported to be missing.

Rahul Sinha, BJP: Party has called a 12-hour 'bandh' in Basirhat and in entire West Bengal tomorrow, we will observe black day. BJP will move court over Police role. Remains of the deceased are being taken to their native places for funeral. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/1Qe9LRgwfv

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2019

West Bengal Governor Keshari met Prime Minister

On Monday, West Bengal Governor Keshari met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah and informed about the prevailing situation in the state.

West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi: My visit to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister was a courtesy call. I just informed them of the general situation in the state. pic.twitter.com/UgH8crgelS

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2019

Earlier a press release from the governor’s office, expressing grief over the current situation, said, ”Governor Tripathi is very sad at the unfortunate loss of lives and properties of the citizens. He extends his heartfelt sympathy for the families and near and dear ones of the deceased. He appeals to all concerned to see to it that no violent incidents take place and peace and harmony prevail in the state.”

‘West Bengal Safe’: CM Mamata Banerjee

On Saturday, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs reportedly sought a report on instances of violence, from the state government.

The Central government’s advisory issued to the West Bengal government read that the violence in the state in past weeks appeared to be a failure on the part of the law enforcement machinery in maintaining law and order situation. It further requested the state government to take action against ‘officials found delinquent in the discharge of their duty’.

However, West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee rebuffed the charges as a “political controversy” and claimed that the situation in the state is safe.

The state government, in a letter to the centre, said that they are only “stray post-poll clashes” and appropriate actions in all such cases are being taken without any delay. “There have been a few stray post-poll clashes in the state perpetrated by some anti-social elements, the law enforcement authorities have been taking firm and appropriate actions in all such cases without any delay,” said State Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De, in a letter to the Union Home Ministry.

Post-Poll Violence

Since the Lok Sabha Elections, there have been several instances of post-poll violence in West Bengal.

On May 26, a BJP worker was shot dead in the Bhatpara area of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. On May 30, another BJP supporter was killed in a village in East Burdwan district. And again on June 4, a TMC leader was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kolkata’s Nimta locality.

Also Read: West Bengal: Poll Violence Continues To Rock The State Through The Voting Season