Kolkata, May 6: Stating that at least 16 people of different political parties have lost their lives in the post-poll violence in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday slammed the BJP, saying unable to digest defeat in the state elections they were sending central ministers to incite unrest here.
She announced a compensation of Rs two lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the post-poll violence.
Banerjee, during a press meet at the state secretariat, also said that her government will provide job of a home guard to one family member each of the five persons who were killed in CISF firing in Cooch Behar’s Sitalkuchi area during fourth phase of voting on April 10.
“At least 16 persons mostly from the BJP and the TMC and one of the Samyukta Morcha — have been killed in the post- poll violence. We will pay a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to family members of the victims.
“There will be no discrimination in providing compensation. This is just a relief. Victims of all political parties will get it. Our government will also provide job of home guard to the next of kin of Sitalkuchi victims, she said.
Banerjee said that most of the 16 deaths were reported till May 3 when the law and order was under the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The CM added that incidents of such violences were occurring mostly in Cooch Behar district and in those places where the BJP has won the elections.
“We have found that places where the BJP has won the elections are having such violences and clashes. We have found some black spots where these violences have taken place. I will ask my party members not to get involved in any violence as I will act tough in case anyone is found guilty in it,” she added.
West Bengal has been witnessing incidents of violence after completion of polls in different parts of the state following which the Union Home ministry asked the state government to take all measures necessary to stop them.
In an apparent reference to attack on Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan’s convoy in Paschim Medinipur on Thursday, Banerjee accused central leaders of inciting violence in the state.
“We do not want any violence to take place here in Bengal. But, we can see that there are some Central ministers who are unnecessarily coming to the state despite all political gatherings having been stopped due to the COVID-19 situation. (PTI)
