CPM secretly holding BJP's hands ahead of polls, says an irate Partha

Kolkata: Partha Chatterjee, Secretary General of Trinamool Congress on Friday came down heavily on CPI-M for "holding BJP's hands secretly in the forthcoming Panchayat election."

Talking to journalists at the "Meet the Press" programme organised by the Press Club, he said CPI-M is trying to "float" taking support of BJP.

"Everywhere, CPI-M is holding the hands of BJP secretly, in a desperate bid to save the party from extinction. But the people of Bengal are politically conscious and are observing everything. They will give a befitting reply in the ballot," he said.

Criticising state BJP president Dilip Ghosh, Chatterjee said "he is not aware of the political culture of Bengal. The language he is using is unfortunate. He has threatened

Trinamool workers and leaders and is giving speeches to instigate people."

He said BJP has no mass contact and had moved the court with the sole intention of deferring the Panchayat election. "The party has never fought for Bengal's development," he maintained.

Chatterjee said that Trinamool Congress has a three-fold agenda in the three-tier Panchayat election. Firstly, to carry on with the development in rural Bengal which was started by Mamata Banerjee after she came to power in 2011; secondly, to defeat the communal forces that are trying to destabilise Bengal and thirdly, to restore peace in Bengal.

"BJP is trying to destabilise the credibility of Mamata Banerjee, by fanning the communal forces in the state," Chatterjee said. Asked about the incidents of violence that are taking place in different parts of the state, he said: "Trinamool Congress is against any kind of violence and political murder. Violence has taken place only in some pockets, but some sections of the media are going overboard and are circulating concocted news."

About the rebel Trinamool workers, he said there are some differences with some workers and leaders, but "These are minor events and the party is in full control. Steps will be taken against those involved in anti-party activities."