Acknowledging that law and order was a state subject, union minister K H Muniyappa today said that it was therefore the responsibility of the West Bengal government to maintain it as several Congress workers have been killed.
"We know several Congress workers have been killed. It is a matter of concern. Law and order is a state subject. It is the duty of the state government to maintain law and order properly," Muniyappa, the minister of state for micro, small and medium enterprises told reporters here.
"We appeal to the state government to maintain peace," he said.
Twenty people have been killed in violence during the panchayat elections since July 11 in the state.
Both the opposition Congress and the CPI(M) have accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of letting loose terror in the state.
Accusing the the state government of not cooperating with the State Election Commission, WBPCC leader Manas Bhuniya said "If a person dies inside a booth during an election it is the responsibility of the SEC, but if somebody dies outside in violence then it is the responsibility of the state."
Bhuniya also accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC leaders inciting violence with provocative speeches.
"The chief minister herself and leaders and ministers of her party are inciting violence with provocative speeches and actions," said Bhuniya.
