BJP Says Left Stoking Violence After Controversy Over CPI(M) MLA's Post

Papia Datta claimed that the CPI(M), which unleashed "violence and terror" to rule the state for 25 years, is trying to return to power employing the same tactics.

A CPI(M) MLA on Tuesday stirred a row as he urged the people of the state to keep sticks, iron pipes handy for self-defence against "ruling party goons", drawing flak from the BJP, which alleged that the Left Party legislator was "instigating locals to take up weapons to create unrest" in the state. Papia Datta, the general secretary of the BJP's state unit, sought strict action against CPI(M) MLA Bhanu Lal Saha. "The CPI(M) is trying to create unrest in the state by inciting people, asking them to take up arms. This is illegal, provocative and we want legal action against leaders, who make such remarks," she said at a press meet. Bhanu Lal Saha, taking to Facebook on Tuesday, said, "Keep sticks, iron pipes, etc handy, irrespective of your age and gender, for resisting bricks, kicks, petrol bombs hurled by them. Gather courage to face attackers. It's not a crime to pick up things for self-defence. It's impossible to protect life and property without resistance.