'Full of insinuations': Poll body on TMC's letter over Mamata Banerjee protection

Banerjee, who is presently admitted to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, has alleged she was the victim of an attack by four-five men, who have been linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by the Trinamool.

A Trinamool delegation comprising Partha Chatterjee, Derek O'Brien, Chandrima Bhattacharya said there was a connection between some tweets of BJP lawmakers and the incident.

"There was a forecast of such an attack. There is a connection between some tweets by BJP parliamentarians and the attack," said Chatterjee, blaming the poll body.

They also mentioned that the Election Commission could not provide protection to Banerjee as it is now in charge of the law and order situation in the poll-bound West Bengal.

In its response, the poll body said it was "completely incorrect" to suggest that it had taken over the law and order machinery in the state.

The TMC memorandum was "full of insinuations" that questioned the panel, said the Election Commission.

Earlier, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh had said, "She is doing a drama. She has done a PhD. in drama. But it will not work."

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury too termed the incident as a "drama".

CPI-M MLA Sujan Chakraborty said, "We want a speedy recovery of Mamata Banerjee and want her to return to the political field soon. Also we think there should be an investigation into the incident to find out whether it was an accident or a conspiracy."

Banerjee's injury has sparked widespread protests by Trinamool workers cutting across all districts in the state.

Urging workers to maintain peace, the Trinamool has put up a tweet, "We appeal to all our workers to not let their emotions overflow. We understand your concerns & we’ll keep updating about Hon’ble @MamataOfficial's health. We request to maintain peace & not resort to means which Didi would not approve of. Let us all pray for her speedy recovery."