Kolkata: Major arterial roads of Kolkata turned into a battlefield as Left Front supporters and police clashed during a rally called by Krisha Sabha, the agricultural wing of the CPM, in the city here on Thursday afternoon.
The protesters, had given a call for a march to Nabanna — the state secretariat, in protest of the flood relief mess, soaring prices of essential commodities and the failure of the Mamata Banerjee-led government to control the same.
The trouble started when thousands of protesters, were stopped by police. After a verbal duel, protesters grew restive and started hurling stones at the policemen.
The police retaliated to a baton charge, water cannon and bursting of tear gas shells against the protesters and stopped media persons from covering the incident. Several media persons were also injured during the clash.
“The police instigated the mob and the protesters to violence. It was totally uncalled for,” said CPM politburo member Biman Bose who was also injured during the clash.
Several other CPM leaders also injured, along with police officials who were rushed to the nearby hospitals. “Many of our officers were injured as the protesters were throwing bricks against us and we were forced to retaliate to disburse the crowd,” said a senior police officer.
Vice-President Hamid Ansari who was visiting the state was also delayed as his convoy had to divert following the chaos.
“CPM is always keen to create anarchy in the state and this is a perfect example as to how they are trying to disturb the peace in the state,” said Minister Subrata Mukherjee.
However, since losing power, this is the first time that the party had organised such a large mobilisation programme against the Trinamool Congress government.
“People are realising how the TMC government is fooling people in the name of development. The prices are soaring and until now no steps have been taken by the government,” said Surya Kanti Mishra, leader of the opposition.
