New Delhi, Kolkata:
Trinamool MPs claim that 45 of party workers have been killed in post poll violence in West Bengal and met P Chidambaram to demand Article 355 in the state. Article 355 says it is the Union's duty to protect states against internal disturbances.
"Law and order in West Bengal is precarious. We have asked the home minister to impose Art 355 in the state," said Sudip Bandopadhyay, MP, Trinamool Congress.
On Thursday, Mamata Banerjee and Pranab Mukherjee had met Chidambaram on the issue.
Chidambaram's reaction quoted in Kolkata papers - "Many districts in West Bengal have turned into killing fields."
The CPI-M has hit back, accusing Trinamool of instigating violence that has killed 70 Left workers post polls. The home minister, they say, is not fully informed.
"I think everyone knows in West Bengal who is instrumental for the violence. Everybody knows what's happening in Lalgarh, who is responsible for the violence. We are all concerned to see that such violence is put down. But to make a sweeping statement like this is uncalled for," said Prakash Karat, General Secretary, CPM.
"I do not think the provisions of 355 can be applicable in the case of today's West Bengal situation. It is absolutely untenable to me," said Biman Bose, State Secretary, CPM.
The Trinamool and the CPM have been regularly locking horns over post poll violence in the state. But with the home minister joining the issue, the dynamics of the tussle could change.