Violence in 4th Phase: Mamata demands HM Amit Shah’s resignation
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation over firing by central forces at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar, which resulted in the deaths of four people.
Addressing an Election Rally in Siliguri, Mamata Banerjee said, ‘We have sought Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation.’
She also said, ‘I will be going to Mathabhanga hospital tomorrow at 10 am and from there I will go to Alipurduar. I couldn’t go to Cooch Behar today due to Model Code of Conduct as polling is going on there.’
Mamata Banerjee also crticised PM Narendra Modi and said, ‘It was PM’s responsibility to meet the family members of the deceased. Isn’t he ashamed? He is giving clean chit. It’s a matter of shame. I condemn his attitude.’
After the death of four people in police firing, A BJP delegation met EC over the death of 5 people in 2 separate incidents in Sitalkuchi.
BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato said, “In my opinion, these incidents happened because of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s old statement calling for gherao of Central forces,”
During the voting for fourth phase election, One 18-year-old voter, Ananda Barman, was allegedly gunned down by miscreants outside booth number 85 in Pathantuli area after clashes broke out between activists of the ruling TMC and the BJP.
The culprits, who are yet to be identified, managed to flee, the officials said.
The incident led to violence in the area as bombs were hurled, prompting central forces to baton-charge to bring the situation under control, police said.
Both the TMC and BJP claimed that Barman belonged to their party, but his family members said he was an activist of the saffron party.
“We have received information about a person being shot outside a polling booth in Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar. We have sought a report from the micro observer,” an Election Commission official said.
The Trinamool Congress has moved the EC, complaining against the BJP of not allowing its agents to enter several booths at Coochbehar’s Natabari, Sitalkuchi, Tufanganj, Mathabhanga and Dinhata.
The Trinamool Congress will also organise protest rallies across West Bengal, the Chief Minister said. She also asked party workers to wear black badges and peacefully protest against the Sitalkuchi incident between 2 pm and 4 pm on Sunday.
