Stating that there were a few "stray post-poll clashes" in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee led government on Sunday, 9 June, claimed that situation in the state was "under control" in a letter addressed to the Centre, reported PTI.
The Centre had issued an advisory earlier in the day after four people died in violence between workers of the Trinamool Congress and the BJP in Basirhat.
State Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De wrote that "firm and appropriate actions" were initiated in all cases of violence without any delay.
"There have been a few stray post-poll clashes in the state perpetrated by some anti-social elements, the law enforcement authorities have been taking firm and appropriate actions in all such cases without any delay," De wrote in the letter addressed to the Union Home Ministry.
“The situation is under control and it may not be construed under any circumstance to be a failure on the part of the law enforcement machinery of the State to maintain the rule of law and impure confidence among the people,” the letter read.
"In the instant case under Nazat Police Station in North 24 Parganas district too, police case has been registered and investigation has been initiated, even while the maintenance of peace in the area has kept the police contingents busy on the roads and in the neighbourhood," the letter read.
"There has been no delinquency in discharge of functions by public officials yet, strict vigil has been kept on the evolved affairs," it added.
Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee described the Centre sending the advisory as a conspiracy against the state government.
"West Bengal is the most peaceful state in the country and there has been no incident of any political bloodshed here. And you are floating a conspiracy theory by sending us this advisory note," Chatterjee told reporters.
Chatterjee questioned why there was no advisory note sent to the Uttar Pradesh government when incidents of violence were reported from there.
"You are using the home ministry in an undemocratic manner to issue this advisory to the state government. This is nothing but a political conspiracy," he said.
The Centre on Sunday, expressed "deep concern" over continuing violence in West Bengal, saying the "unabated violence" even after the Lok Sabha polls appears to be a failure on part of the state government.
In an advisory to the West Bengal government, the Ministry of Home Affairs also asked it to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquility.
“The unabated violence over the past weeks appears to be a failure on the part of the law enforcement machinery of the state to maintain the rule of law and inspire confidence among people.”MHA advisory
The central government expressed "deep concern" over continuing violence in West Bengal even after the general elections, an MHA official said.
It was "strongly advised" to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquility, the advisory said.
"It is also requested to take strict action against officials found delinquent in discharge of their duty," it said.
According to the MHA, the latest reports indicated that four persons were killed on Saturday in post-poll clashes in North 24 Parganas district.
Earlier too, there have been reports of violence in which people lost lives in various parts of West Bengal, the official said, quoting the advisory.
Governor Expresses Concern
West Bengal Governor, Keshari Nath Tripathi, also expressed concern about the violent incidents in Sandesh Khali, North 24 Parganas on Saturday and other parts of West Bengal recently.
“Governor Tripathi is sad at unfortunate loss of lives and properties of citizens. Extends his heartfelt sympathy for families of deceased. Appeals to all to see to it that no violent incidents take place, and peace and harmony prevail in state,” the governor’s press secretary said.
(With inputs from PTI)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)