The Election Commission of India has requested a new report from Kolkata Police regarding the recent violence at Girish Park in North Kolkata. The clashes between Trinamool Congress and BJP activists occurred on March 14, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Central Kolkata. Kolkata Police’s previous report to the Commission did not address why the Central Armed Police Force, already deployed in the city, was not called to control the situation at Girish Park.
The Chief Electoral Officer’s office insider mentioned that the Commission was displeased with the lack of response from Kolkata Police on this critical issue. As a result, the city police have been instructed to submit a fresh report promptly, specifically addressing this query. Nine arrests have been made in connection with the Girish Park clashes.
According to BJP’s claims, the city police unfairly targeted their party members, alleging that the clashes began when ruling party activists attacked a bus carrying BJP supporters to the Prime Minister’s rally. Conversely, Trinamool Congress supporters reported that stones were thrown at the residence of a West Bengal minister in Girish Park. The minister herself stated that she was also attacked during the incident. The BJP countered these allegations, asserting that Trinamool workers threw bricks at their activists as they headed to the Brigade Parade Ground.
