West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has sharply criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the recent violence in Nandigram, where an elderly woman was killed. The incident took place in Purba Medinipur district and has sparked significant political unrest.
Governor Bose, in an official communication, directed Banerjee to take immediate action and submit a detailed action-taken report. He emphasized the need to end what he termed a "blood bath" and urged the state government to operate within the parameters of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Bose expressed strong disapproval of what he described as state-sponsored violence and warned that any constitutional violations would be met with serious consequences.
The violence erupted following the killing of Rathibala Arhi, a BJP worker from the Scheduled Caste community, on Wednesday night. The incident led to widespread protests by BJP supporters, who blamed TMC-backed criminals for the attack. Protesters in Nandigram burned tyres, blocked roads, and closed shops, demanding justice.
Police reported that Rathibala's son, Sanjay, and seven others were injured in the attack by unidentified assailants. To control the escalating situation, police, central forces, and RAF personnel had to resort to a lathicharge to disperse the mob.
Nandigram, part of the Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency and a stronghold of opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, is set to vote on May 25, adding further tension to the already volatile atmosphere. The Governor's directive to Banerjee underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate government intervention.
