Kolkata, 15 May (H.S.) : A sharp political exchange broke out in the West Bengal Assembly on Friday over allegations of post-poll violence during the eighteenth Assembly session, held alongside the election of the new Speaker.

Although proceedings began in a cordial atmosphere, tensions escalated after Leader of the Opposition Shovandeb Chattopadhyay accused the state government of failing to control post-election violence.

Speaking in the House after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Chattopadhyay alleged that fear had increased in the state despite earlier assurances from the BJP. “You had promised trust instead of fear. But today there is no trust, and fear has increased fourfold. Many people have been forced to leave their homes. We can hear the footsteps of an authoritarian regime,” he said.

Reacting immediately, Adhikari stood up and said he had no information about anyone being displaced from their homes. He asked the Opposition leader to inform the Director General of Police if any such cases existed.

However, the Chief Minister also attached a condition to his assurance. Referring to cases registered during the 2021 post-poll violence, he said, “Those whose names are not included in the 12,500 FIRs filed at that time will be escorted back home by local MLAs and police superintendents. But if anyone’s name appears in the FIRs, they will have to go to jail.”

Indian Secular Front MLA from Bhangar, Nawsad Siddique, also raised the issue of post-poll violence during the discussion. Criticising the previous Trinamool Congress government, he said, “After the 2021 victory, I felt like resigning within six months if that could save the lives of our workers.”

Nawsad Siddique also targeted former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that letters sent to her never received replies.

At the same time, Siddique clarified that he was not giving the BJP a “blank certificate,” but added that he would not oppose the ruling party unnecessarily.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh