Kolkata, 07 March (H.S.): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Darjeeling Raju Bista on Saturday said that the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections should be conducted under President’s Rule, citing concerns over the law and order situation in the state.

Bista said he would soon seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu to brief her about the current situation in West Bengal and urge consideration of holding the Assembly elections under central rule.

The BJP MP was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 9th International Santal Conference held at Gosaipur in Darjeeling district near Siliguri. The conference was organised by the International Santal Council and was attended by President Murmu as the chief speaker.

Bista alleged that the law and order situation in West Bengal had deteriorated and said he would request the President to review the possibility of conducting the Assembly elections under President’s Rule to ensure a free and fair poll.

He also criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her ongoing protest in Kolkata against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. According to him, the protest was not aimed at protecting genuine voters but was intended to safeguard the interests of infiltrators.

Meanwhile, addressing the conference, President Murmu expressed mild displeasure over the arrangements at the venue. She noted that several members of the Santal community were seen outside the conference hall and it appeared they were unable to enter the venue.

The President said that in such a large international event, participation of all members of the Santal community should be ensured.

In her speech, Murmu also recalled the tradition of bravery within the Santal community. She referred to Tilka Manjhi, who had led a rebellion against oppression nearly 240 years ago.

The President said the Santal community has historically resisted injustice and oppression, adding that Santals are a courageous people who should take pride in their rich and valiant heritage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey