Kolkata, May 19: Concerned over continuing post-panchayat poll clashes and deaths in West Bengal, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee today appealed to the opposition to sit for dialogue with the government to stop violence at the earliest. Bhattacharjee admitted that anti-social elements had infiltrated in his party (CPI-M) and "they have to be identified and driven out".
"It is regrettable that so many lives have been lost in the recently held panchayat elections in the state. It is a matter of deep concern that clashes have been taking place even after the elections. We want the opposition to come forward to co-operate and hold talks so that there is no more bloodshed and violence is stopped at the earliest", he said at a meet-the-press programme.
In this connection, the Chief Minister urged the Trinamool Congress to reconsider its decision to boycott the remaining part of the budget session of the state assembly in protest against alleged rigging by ruling CPI(M) cadres in the panchayat polls. It would not be a worthwhile step to help ensure conducive atmosphere for restoration of peace, he said.
"It is not true that the administration failed to deal with the situation to stop panchayat poll-related violence. What we need is co-operation of the opposition to the government in this regard", he observed.
To a question whether his party was losing control over the party rank and file and that led to recent panchayat poll-related clashes in the districts, Chief Minister said he did not think so. Bureau Report