Malda, April 15 -- Tension gripped Manikchak on Tuesday night after BJP flags were allegedly found affixed to the main gate of the CPI(M)'s party office, Harekrishna Kongar Bhavan, triggering protests and political accusations ahead of the elections.
According to CPI(M) leaders, there were no such flags on the premises till Tuesday evening. The party alleged that BJP supporters deliberately placed the flags to create unrest in the area. "This was a planned attempt to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere and provoke political tension," alleged CPI(M) candidate Debjyoti Sinha.
Soon after the incident, Sinha, along with party supporters, took out a protest march and reached Manikchak Police Station, where they staged a demonstration.
A written complaint was also lodged against the BJP leaders. Several CPI(M) leaders, including Mojafaffar Hossain, Shyamal Basak and Amirul Islam, were present during the protest.
In the complaint, CPI(M) area committee member Khudiram Mondal stated: "When I reached the party office in the evening, I saw BJP flags tied to the main gate and nearby electric poles. Shortly after, two unidentified bike-borne youths removed the flags and fled the spot. Local residents also witnessed the incident."
Mondal further alleged that the act violated the Model Code of Conduct and was linked to a political gathering held earlier in the day. "Such actions are clearly aimed at disturbing communal harmony and must be dealt with strictly," he added. Police officials said they have received the complaint and are looking into the matter. No arrests have been made so far.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.