1 hr ago
CPM Offices Vandalised Across Two Districts; BJP Denies Role
Several offices belonging to the CPM party were damaged in two districts.
A statue of Vladimir Lenin in Garbeta was also damaged.
The CPM says groups supported by the BJP were responsible.
It says the attacks happened after a CPM rally and included damage to furniture, books and party flags.
The CPM also reported that some workers were injured.
The BJP says it had nothing to do with the incidents.
BJP leaders said the violence came from disagreements inside the CPM.
Police later visited some of the affected areas.
At least 10 CPM offices were allegedly vandalised across Howrah and West Midnapore over three days.
A motorcycle-borne group allegedly damaged five CPM offices in Howrah’s Bally-Belur area late Tuesday.
A four-decade-old Vladimir Lenin statue in Garbeta was found damaged, with its head severed.
The CPM alleged BJP-backed groups carried out the attacks and said several workers were injured.
The BJP denied involvement and attributed the vandalism and violence to internal CPM disputes.
- Who
- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) alleged attacks by BJP-backed groups; the Bharatiya Janata Party denied involvement.
- What
- At least 10 CPM offices were allegedly vandalised, and a Vladimir Lenin statue was damaged.
- Where
- The incidents were reported in Howrah and West Midnapore, including Bally-Belur and Garbeta.
- When
- The reported incidents occurred over three days, including late Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Why
- The CPM linked the incidents to political retaliation after its rally, while the BJP attributed them to internal CPM disputes.
CPM allegations
BJP denials
Responsibility for the attacks
CPM allegations
The CPM alleged that BJP supporters or BJP-backed groups vandalised its offices and damaged the Lenin statue.
BJP denials
The BJP denied any connection with the vandalism and said it learned about the Howrah attacks through the media.
Cause of the violence
CPM allegations
The CPM linked the Howrah attacks to political anger after its rally and alleged that the incidents were planned retaliation.
BJP denials
The BJP said the incidents in Howrah and West Midnapore resulted from internal disputes within the CPM.
Political impact
CPM allegations
CPM leaders said increased attacks could increase public support for the Left.
BJP denials
The BJP said it was focused on development work and did not believe in breaking statues.
Key facts
- Reported offices targeted
- At least 10 CPM offices across Howrah and West Midnapore over three days
- Howrah incident
- Five offices in the Bally-Belur area were allegedly vandalised late Tuesday
- Garbeta statue
- A Vladimir Lenin statue inaugurated in 1986 was found with its head severed
- Reported damage
- Televisions, chairs, tables, flags, books and pamphlets were damaged or displaced
- Reported injuries
- The CPM claimed 15 to 20 workers were injured across several incidents
- BJP position
- BJP leaders denied involvement and blamed disputes within the CPM
Quotes
Pradeep Lodha
BJP MLA from Garbeta
“The BJP first tried to disturb our programme by playing loudspeakers at high volume in the vicinity. When that failed, and we held a huge rally, they expressed their frustration by attacking our offices. The more the people come towards us, the more the BJP is increasing attacks on us.”
telegraphindia.com
“The BJP is engaged in development work. It does not believe in breaking statues. The violence stems from disputes within the CPM. The BJP has nothing to do with it.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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