Post-Poll Violence: Mamata Blames BJP, Says Visiting Ministers Must Carry COVID Report

Kolkata: The politics over post-election violence continues in West Bengal.

After Union Minister V Muraleedharan alleged that his convoy was attacked by Trinamool Congress (TMC) goons during his visit to West Bengal, chief minister Mamata Banerjee once again blamed the BJP for spreading COVID-19 in the state and said they are not ready to accept the people’s mandate.

“BJP leaders are coming here, roaming around… they are provoking people. It’s not even 24 hours of the new government, and they are already sending letters, teams and leaders to the state. They are actually not ready to accept the mandate. I request them to accept people’s mandate,” said Mamata who on Wednesday took oath as CM for a third term.

She said Union ministers, other leaders and Central teams visiting West Bengal must carry a negative RT-PCR report.

“A team had come, they drank tea and went back, though COVID is on. Now if ministers come, they’ve to get an RT-PCR negative report, even for special flights. The rule should be the same for all. COVID is increasing because of BJP leaders coming here again and again,” said Mamata, who won a third term in resounding manner with TMC winning 214 seats in the 294-member state assembly.

Rs 2 lakh compensation for each victims’ families:

The chief minister announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to family members of all those who have been killed in violent clashes after poll results were announced on May 2.

“At least 16 persons — mostly from BJP and TMC, and one of Samyukta Morcha (Congress-Left-ISF alliance) — died in post-poll violence. We will pay a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to their family members,” Mamata announced.

She added that the state government will also provide jobs of home guard to the next of kin of Sitalkuchi victims.

Five people were killed in Cooch Behar district on April 10, the day of fourth phase of polling in West Bengal. Four of them died after central forces opened fire at a booth after claiming to be attacked.