KOLKATA/NEW DELHI, Apr 10:
West Bengal plunged into chaos today when five people were killed, including four in CISF firing, during the fourth phase of polling, pushing the Election Commission to bar entry of political leaders from outside in the troubled Cooch Behar district for the next 72 hours.
The deaths, all in Cooch Behar’s Sitalkuchi, set off a political firestorm in the politically volatile state, with the ruling TMC and challenger BJP blaming each other for the violence, the worst since the assembly polls got underway.
In a rare order, the Election Commission put in place restrictions, including extending the “silence period” from 48 hours to 72 hours, for the fifth phase of polling after the violence.
Candidates will now not be allowed to canvass door to door 72 hours before the end of the polling hour instead of the usual 48 hours prior to the conclusion of the exercise.
It also barred the entry of politicians in Cooch Behar district for the next 72 hours to prevent any possible law and order flare-up and directed the union home ministry to deploy an additional 71 companies of central armed police forces (CAPF) for the next four phases of the polling.
Condoling the deaths in Cooch Behar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi requested the Election Commission to take stern action against those responsible for the incident and blamed the ruling TMC for perpetrating violence during the polls.
He also accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of instigating people against the central forces, sensing defeat.
“What happened in Cooch Behar is unfortunate and sad. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families and urge the Election Commission to take stern action against those responsible. (PTI)
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