Defence Minister and BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, 19 May, demanded that the Central Police Force remain in West Bengal till the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) lapses, alleging that Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers will instigate violence, on Mamata’s directive, after the polling ends.
Addressing a press conference she said,
“Bengal’s CM has been issuing threats from the beginning. She keeps on talking about taking revenge for ‘every inch’. And on her directions TMC workers come out and beat up people. That’s why we are scared that after voting ends today, will theTMC begin a bloodbath? That’s why we demand that the CRPF stay in West Bengal till the MCC lapses.”Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
The Model Code of Conduct lapses only after the election process is complete and the results are declared.
Sitharaman also said that out of the nine seats that were going to polls in West Bengal, six had seen violence.
“Attacks have been mounted on our candidates, and TMC workers are openly conspiring to stop voters from entering the polling booths, as media reports are showing us,” she alleged.
She further called for the Election Commission to take cognisance of the alleged violence that the TMC has been causing in the state.
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