TMC worker assaulted during Governor's visit to Coochbehar, clash with ISF in Chandrakona; 10 injured

In the midst of the West Bengal Panchayat elections, the town of Gitaldah in Coochbehar district has become a hotbed of violence. A regional president of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been seriously injured in an alleged assault, prompting the Governor of West Bengal, CV Anand Bose, to visit the victim at a private hospital.

Meanwhile, clashes between TMC and Indian Secular Front (ISF) supporters in Chandrakona, West Medinipur district, have left 10 people injured, with some in critical condition.

According to the TMC, the conflict in Krishnapur, Chandrakona, escalated when ISF workers ambushed a TMC candidate during a campaign. On the other hand, the ISF alleges that it was the TMC workers who instigated the violence. The situation remains tense in the area, and a significant police presence has been deployed to maintain order.

Governor CV Anand Bose has been actively involved in ensuring the safe completion of the Panchayat elections. He has issued warnings to the State Election Commission and emphasized the importance of the police and administration playing their roles effectively. The Governor has also set up an open peace room at the Raj Bhavan, where complaints can be lodged. Additionally, he has been visiting areas affected by violence, including Bhangarh, Canning, and Cooch Behar, where he has met with families of deceased and injured political workers and listened to the grievances of the opposition.

The TMC has raised concerns about the Governor's role, claiming that while BJP leaders and workers were selectively targeted in the past, this time TMC workers have suffered the most in the election-related violence. Despite the TMC's complaints, the Governor, after meeting with affected TMC workers, did not immediately demand the arrest of the culprits. The opposition parties, including the BJP, are calling for strict action against those responsible for the attacks.

The recent incident in Gitaldah saw TMC leader Mahfuzar Rahman of Gram Panchayat No. 1 being brutally assaulted by alleged miscreants backed by the BJP. Governor CV Anand Bose swiftly contacted the State Election Commissioner and the District Superintendent of Police, urging them to take strict action against the perpetrators and ensure peaceful voting. He personally visited the hospital to meet the injured TMC leader and conveyed a message of unity.