Asansol: After 'bed-tea' excuse, Sen says 'little violence happens'
What's the story
Trinamool's Moon Moon Sen, who is contesting from West Bengal's Asansol, found nothing unusual in the poll violence and said, "Thoda toh hoga hi, har jagah hota hai." Her comments came after Sen claimed she didn't know about the violence as she was served her bed-tea late. Asansol polled on Monday, in the fourth phase of elections, amidst widespread violence and booth capturing.
Statement
Violence has reduced as compared to earlier, claimed Sen
Speaking on violence which hogged headlines all day long, Sen said in the evening that she is yet to meet senior leaders. "When we sit together I will know where and why violence took place. A little violence will happen and happens everywhere. Violence is much less now compared to before," Sen told ANI. Nearly half a dozen people were injured in clashes.
Defense
After statement went viral, Sen said she isn't ignorant
Meanwhile, after Sen's "bed-tea" remarks got attention, she tried to control damage. She said she took a day off after exhaustive campaign. "The day I don't have work, I am allowed to take a holiday, I can get up late so I got up at 10 AM," she said. But this doesn't mean she was ignorant and didn't know what was happening, Sen stressed.
Looking back
In 2018, Derek was slammed for comparing death toll
Pointing out that violence has reduced as compared to Left rule, seems to have become the standard reply of Trinamool members. During 2018 panchayat polls, Derek O'Brien tweeted the number of deaths in previous elections to show Trinamool's rule was better. He was criticized by netizens who said Derek touched a new low by comparing figures. Looks like Sen didn't learn anything from that!
Babul Supriyo
Separately, Sen's opponent took to streets to protest against violence
Even before Sen "woke up" to realize what happened, her competitor and sitting BJP MP Babul Supriyo swung to action. The singer-turned-politician visited polling booths from where violence was reported. He claimed voters were scared to cast their ballot in absence of central forces. Supriyo's car was also vandalized. Meanwhile, BJP complained to Election Commission about the turn of events in the hot constituency.
Aftermath
FIR has been lodged against Supriyo
Further, an FIR has been registered against Supriyo on EC's directive after he stormed into a polling station in Barabani. Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab said polls were largely peaceful, barring a couple of incidents. Meanwhile, Siddhi Nath Gupta, ADG (Law and order) said 145 people were arrested and six FIRs were lodged. Gupta added those injured in clashes between parties were undergoing treatment.
Statement
Meanwhile, TMC supremo fumed over BJP's 'misuse' of forces
Addressing a rally at North 24 Paraganas district, TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee asked how did CRPF fire inside polling booth at Dubrajpur. "CRPF personnel can be deputed outside booths, but they do not have the right to lathicharge or fire. Law and order is state subject and not a central subject," the West Bengal Chief Minister said. She claimed these actions won't help BJP.