Bengal panchayat poll: Three party workers killed during polling, claims TMC

"Shocking and tragic incidents send shockwaves through the voting community.Three of our party workers have been murdered in Rejinagar, Tufanganj and Khargram and two have been left wounded from gunshots in Domkol, " the party tweeted.

The party asked where the central forces deployed for the polling were during these incidents.

"The @BJP4Bengal, @CPIM_WESTBENGAL, and @INCWestBengal have been clamouring for the deployment of Central Forces. So, where are the Central Forces when they are needed the most? " the party asked.

Claiming that the incidents "signal a colossal failure" on the part of the central forces to ensure the safety and security of the people before the polls have even commenced, the party said the forces have proved to be "woefully inadequate in fulfilling their duty to protect citizens".

"In Nadia, @CPIM_WESTBENGAL miscreants shamelessly fired at an AITC candidate's husband in Narayanpur-1 Gram Panchayat, exposing the party's true colours." Crude bombs were also hurled at Hasina Sultana's husband and other AITC workers right before the polls began," the party further alleged.

"Despite being hailed as the guardians of peace by @BJP4India, @CPIM_WESTBENGAL, and @INCWestBengal prior to the elections, the Central Forces have proven to be woefully inadequate in fulfilling their duty to protect citizens. Why are they faltering and letting down the people they were supposed to safeguard?" it asked.

It is alleged that the BJP, CPI (M), and Congress are working hand in glove with each other to harass their party workers and spread violence.

"Meanwhile, our party workers at different places have been ATTACKED, WOUNDED, and KILLED. Our leader, @DrShashiPanja, points out how the so-called guardians of peace have faltered to protect the rights of the people. Under the close supervision of the Central Forces, the death toll keeps mounting! A devastating bomb attack claimed the life of our party worker in Manikchak, Malda," the party alleged.

"In Narayanpur-I Gram Panchayat of Nadia, @CPIM_WESTBENGAL hooligans opened fire on our candidate, Hasina Sultana's husband. They hurled crude, country-made bombs at our workers moments before the start of the elections. Despite the deployment of Central Forces, our worker from Salbari-II Gram Panchayat of Jalpaiguri was critically wounded by @BJP4Bengal goons," it claimed.

Alleging that the recent incidents of violence not only raise serious doubts about the competence and preparedness of the Central Forces but also expose the hollowness of the claims made by the BJP, CPI(M), and @INCWestBengal about their role in ensuring peaceful elections, " the party said, "One of our Panchayat candidates from Jhargram, Shyamali Sabar, was ASSAULTED and given DEATH THREATS by @CPIM_WESTBENGAL miscreants last night."

"The Central Forces FAILED to protect her from such hooligans." This not only proves their INCOMPETENCE but also EXPOSES the hollow claims by the @BJP4Bengal, @INCWestBengal, and the CPI(M) of maintaining peace during the elections," the party further claimed.