BJP chief JP Nadda, who is on a two-day visit to Bengal to take stock of the post-poll violence, today accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of having blood on her hands. Alleging that 14 people have lost their lives in the violence Sunday's counting of votes, he said, "Last year Amphan, this year Mamata-Phan" -- a reference to the hugely destructive cyclone that has caused much damage in the state.
Mr Nadda is expected to meet of the families of BJP workers affected in the violence.
The BJP has alleged that goons backed by the Trinamool Congress have killed its workers, attacked women members, vandalised houses, looted shops belonging to party members and ransacked party offices.
The Trinamool has denied the claim, alleging that the violence was stirred by the BJP, which was reacting to its poor results in the election.
The Union home ministry has sought a report on the violence. Governor Jagdeep Dhankar, who discussed the violence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week, had a sharp message for the Chief Minister today.
"Our first priority is to bring an end to the senseless, horrendous post-poll violence... You have to rise above partisan interests. I am sure you will script a new governance pattern," said the Governor, whom the Chief Minister has often accused of being partial to the BJP.
Ms Banerjee -- who took oath at a low-key ceremony today -- called for an end to the violence.
"I appeal to all political parties to maintain peace. Bengal does not like violence. Please take proper care that there is no violence," Ms Banerjee said, adding that after Covid control, law and order was her big priority.
"I will tackle law and order from today. That is my second job - to post people in law and order," added the Chief Minister, who later restored a number of top police officers who were moved out of their posts ahead of the polls by the Election Commission.
On Sunday, when the violence started in pockets of the state, Ms Banerjee had said the Election Commission was in charge of law and order in the state till she took oath.
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