Thrashed CPM men take refuge in Barasat office

Amdanga: CPM supporters were roughed up at Amdanga in North 24 Parganas, prompting them to leave their home and take shelter in CPM’s Barasat district party office on Saturday. At least six CPM supporters were beaten up and terrorised with fire arms allegedly by Trinamool toughs at Boinchigachhi village under Taraberia gram panchayat.
“Trinamool men had gathered at Boinchigachhi with bombs and pistols.They roughed up six CPM supporters and chased away others who came in their way. The purpose was to drive out CPM supporters from Taraberia and gain control of the panchayat. Many CPM supporters from the village have taken shelter in CPM’s district party office at Barasat,” said local CPM leader Alibardi.
Amdanga Trinamool leader Mostaq Ahmed denied the charge. “CPM is giving political colour to a family dispute. What has happened today is a family feud. We have no role in this,” Ahmed said.
The violence has its roots in the 2018 panchayat election, when the ruling Trinamool couldn’t gain a majority in the 19-member Taraberia gram panchayat. Trinamool has nine members in the 19-member gram panchayat, short of one to get the pradhan nominee elected. CPM has seven members, BJP one and the panchayat has one independent member.
Both Trinamool and CPM want the independent by their side to tilt the number game in their favour. The matter went to court and the election violence has forced the administration to postpone the pradhan election.