The opposition CPI(M) today submitted a memorandum to the State Election Commission alleging inadequate deployment of central forces in three West Bengal districts for the third phase of the panchayat elections.
"Proper and adequate deployment of central force in North, South 24 Parganas and Howrah districts yesterday was inadequate and the polls were marked by violence that left five persons dead," CPI(M) state committee member Robin Deb said after submitting the memorandum.
He alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress was up in arms against political opponents in the districts and was resorting to violence, intimidation and terror to secure votes.
"We have urged the commission to be more cautious in force deployment and in monitoring the peaceful holding of panchayat polls in the next two phases," he said.
