The fourth phase of the West Bengal assembly election witnessed violence in Cooch Behar district, where four people were killed in firing by CISF personnel in its vicinity. Due to the bloodshed, an ECI official said “re-polling will be held in booth no 126/5 in Sitalkuchi area of the district, in view of the tragic incident.”

“Going by the interim report of the special observer, the EC decided to stop the polling process at Jorpatki booth no 126/5 in Sitalkuchi area of Cooch Behar district. Further enquiry is on. There will be re-polling…” the official added.

The violence, where four people died, leaving others with injuries, prompted blame-game between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

While PM Narendra Modi blamed West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, the latter said Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to be blamed for the violence.

“I believe, this incident (firing incident in Cooch Behar) is pre-planned. I will order an investigation into the matter,” Banerjee said at a rally.

“Home Minister Amit Shah is completely responsible for today’s incident and he himself is the conspirator. I don’t blame central forces because they work under Home Minister’s order,” the Bengal CM added.

Earlier, PM Modi, during a rally in north Bengal, fired salvos at the Trinamool Congress and ‘Didi’. He also accused the Bengal CM of instigating people against the central forces.

“What happened in Cooch Behar is unfortunate and sad. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families and request the Election Commission to take stern action against those responsible for the incident,” PTI quoted PM Modi as saying.

“Mamata Didi and her TMC goons have become jittery because of the groundswell of support for BJP. She is instigating people against the security forces. Didi is giving instructions on how to gherao and beat up our security forces,” PM Modi added.

“Is this the way you treat our brave hearts? She has stooped to this level as she can see her chair slipping away,” he further added.

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In response, the Trinamool Congress supremo, at a Siliguri rally, said: “It was PM’s responsibility to meet the family members of the deceased. Isn’t he ashamed? He is giving clean chit. It’s a matter of shame. I condemn his attitude.”

In wake of the violence, Banerjee sought Amit Shah’s resignation. She also said her party would bring out protest rallies throughout the state on Sunday, and asked TMC activists to wear black badges and demonstrate peacefully from 2 pm to 4 pm.