Amid escalating tensions over post-poll violence in the state, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Monday (June 17) ordered city personnel deployed in the Raj Bhavan premises to immediately vacate the area so that it can be converted into a 'Jan Manch' (public platform).
An official familiar with the development said Bose is planning to convert the police outpost near the North Gate of Raj Bhavan into a 'Jan Manch'.
"The governor has directed police officers deployed inside Raj Bhavan, including the 'officer-in-charge', to immediately vacate the premises," the official was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, this development coincides with a visit by a four-member BJP team, including senior party leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Biplab Deb, to the state for a two-day visit. During their visit, they met victims of alleged post-poll violence in West Bengal.
Speaking to the media after meeting with BJP leaders who sought shelter from alleged TMC atrocities, Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “We listened to the problems of all our party workers and supporters regarding post-poll violence... Mamata ji, what is happening under your regime? People can't go home after voting. The brother of one of our party workers was murdered, and now he is being threatened. So many leaders from the minority community are sitting here and they can't even go and celebrate Eid. What is happening in your state, Mamata ji? Women, OBCs, and minorities are affected. What kind of democracy is this? People have the right to go to their own homes... Our party stands with these people... I request my party's legal cell to appeal in the High Court with the details of these people and seek protection..."
Subsequently, the BJP fact-finding committee, after interacting with victims of alleged poll violence, arrived at Bagdogra airport today (June 17). They are also scheduled to meet more victims of post-poll violence there.
Speaking to the media upon arrival at Bagdogra airport, BJP leader Biplab Kumar Deb said, "There has been a lot of violence in seven districts."
"We will be visiting the party office in Cooch Behar and meeting post-poll violence victims. Subsequently, we will present a report to BJP leader and party chief JP Nadda," he added.
Meanwhile, a TMC leader rejected BJP's claims, stating that candidates had "described the polls as free and fair". "But after the dismal show, they are now inventing excuses and weaving false narratives of post-poll violence."
READ MORE | BJP forms four-member committee to look into political violence in West Bengal
READ MORE | West Bengal Police blocks Suvendu Adhikari from entering Raj Bhavan amid post-poll violence claims
