[CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury wrote the following letter to the Chief Election Commissioner today to register strong condemnation over the assaults on the leaders of CPI(M) by the TMC on the eve of polling in West Bengal Assembly elections.]

 

Dear Sir,

 

On behalf of the CPI(M), I am writing to you to register our strong condemnation over the continued violence, terror and intimidation unleashed by the ruling Trinamool Congress party in West Bengal.

 

During the course of the last round of polling (April 21), four CPI(M) leaders have been murdered.

 

On the eve of the polling, in Haroah Constituency of North 24 Paraganas, Comrade Noor Islam Mistry was murdered on the 20th.

 

In the morning of the 21st, at 75-Domkal Assembly Constituency, polling agent Tahidul Islam has been killed by firing and bombs in booth No. 178 at Haridoba Natunpara Primary School about 7.30 a.m. by AITC miscreants.  Three other persons with bullet and bomb injuries have been admitted in Baharampur hospital while eight other injured have been admitted into Domkal hospital. 

 

Soon after the polling on the 21st, in 259-Khandaghosh Assembly Constituency in Burdwan district, Sk. Fazal Haque, polling agent of booth No. 108) and Dukhiram Dal were brutally murdered at about 7 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. by TMC goons under the leadership of 259 Khandaghosh (SC) AC, All India Trinamool Congress candidate Nabin Bag. 

 

More reports of such heinous attacks are pouring in from various other places where polling was held on April 21, 2016.

 

I am writing to you because all poll related violence  comes under the remit of the Election Commission of India as mandated by our Constitution. So far, no action appears to have been taken against the culprits who have perpetuated such murderous assaults.  Unless tangible action is taken against such elements, the Election Commission will be failing in implementing its Constitutional mandate of ensuring a free and fair poll.

 

I am requesting you to please take necessary action immediately and thereby instill confidence amongst the people to fearlessly exercise their democratic right of franchise. 

 

With regards,

Yours sincerely

 

Sd/-

(Sitaram Yechury)

General Secretary, CPI (M)