Hummingbird News Desk
SILIGURI, 22 JUNE: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday called the situation arising out of the alleged post-poll violence in the state as “alarming and worrisome”, and questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her “ostrich-like stance” on the issue.
Talking to reporters at the Bagdogra Airport here upon his arrival today, Mr Dhankhar said: “Such post-poll violence was not seen after Independence. The situation of West Bengal is alarming. Administration is not taking any action.”
After his return from Delhi, Governor Dhankhar has decided to spend time in his office in Darjeeling for seven days.
“Denying fundamental rights is the axe to grind democracy. No proper action was taken in the last seven weeks. People are in no position to discuss the present situation out of fear. Has administration reached out to those victims, who are out of home? Why is the chief minister mum?” Mr Dhankhar said, adding, “Common people, even children, are being attacked. People are going to police stations as victims, but they are returning as culprits.”
Mr Dhankhar urged the Trinamul Congress-led state government to “start self-criticism.”
Slamming the state government for its approach in dealing with complaints of violence following the assembly polls, Dhankhar said that this was “unacceptable”.
“I am worried about the post poll violence happening in West Bengal after May 2. This is unacceptable. The situation in the state is alarming and worrisome. This kind of violence has put a question mark on the democratic set up,” he said.
“Ever after so many weeks, the state government is in denial mode. Why is the chief minister silent on this issue? The ostrict-like stance of the state administration is not acceptable,” he added.
Dhankhar’s visit comes within a week of a demand by certain BJP MPs for carving out a separate Union Territory for the region. His visit also comes within days of meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah twice amid allegations of post-poll violence.
Leader of opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP, called on Dhankhar on Sunday and sought his intervention to stop the alleged post-poll violence and violation of human rights in the state.
