By Suryagni Roy: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has expressed shock over the deaths that were reported due to the violence witnessed in the state ahead of the panchayat polls.

“Shocked to hear that the death toll in pre-election in Bengal is increasing. It is revolting that the media is also under attack by the hooligans. Victory in elections should depend on the count of votes, not the count of dead bodies,” said the governor.

“At any cost, violence will be eradicated. No one, howsoever high and mighty, will be allowed to take the law in their hands,” said the governor in the statement issued by Raj Bhavan, an official residence of the governor.

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The statement by the governor comes after violent clashes were witnessed in the state on Thursday, as Bhangar in the South 24 Parganas district, saw tensions between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) workers.

Bombs were hurled in the area, following which police threw tear gas shells to bring the situation under control.

Notably, Thursday (June 15) was the last day for filing nomination papers for panchayat polls.

Meanwhile, chief minister Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the Opposition, accusing it of instigating violence in the state.

She accused the Opposition of trying to malign the state ahead of the panchayat election scheduled to take place on July 8.

“Opposition parties are trying to create disturbances by orchestrating violence while filing nominations. They are doing it to tarnish the state’s image. If they (opposition) think they will unleash one-sided violence, then people will give a befitting reply,” she said.

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