KOLKATA, MAY 5:As fresh violence erupted in Nandigram and over a hundred residents from the area came to Kolkata to meet the state election commissioner, the CPI(M) insisted the situation there was still conducive for polls.

This morning, fresh clashes took place at various areas in Nandigram, leaving one worker of the CPI(M) and 16 of the Trinamool Congress injured. The district administration accepted that around 500 people, mostly Trinamool supporters, have left their homes and taken shelter in Maheshpur and Nandigram town.

The violence began around 8 am at Satengabari, when CPI(M) supporters came face-to-face with Trinamool workers and a clash ensued. Soon, both sides were exchanging gunfire and lobbing crude bombs.

The Trinamool alleged that three of their supporters were abducted by the CPI(M), taken to Khejuri, beaten up and had to be admitted at Kamarda hospital. The CPI(M) claimed five of its supporters were abducted by the Trinamool.

A huge contingent of policemen and CRPF personnel rushed to the spot to control the situation. Sporadic violence and exchange of gunfire continued at Jantibopni and Rainagar from 10 am to noon. “According to our report, seven people were injured on both sides, with one person sustaining a bullet injury. We are considering the deployment of additional force,” said S Panda, SP, East Midnapur.

In Kolkata, over a hundred villagers, including panchayat poll candidates from the Opposition, came from Nandigram to the state Election Commission's office, displaying their wounds and seeking their right to vote.

Of those who came, 32 candidates alleged that they were beaten up and driven out of their homes by CPI(M) cadres.

“After we filed our nomination, CPI(M) cadres asked us to leave the village. When we refused, they beat me up. Since then I am homeless. I cannot enter Nandigram. My family is also being constantly threatened,” said Sheikh Khusnavi, gram panchayat candidate from Samsabad.

Mohan Maity, who had a bandaged head, said: “A few days ago, I was beaten up by CPI(M) cadres and had been admitted in the Nandigram hospital. Even there, they threatened me. I had to leave Nandigram.” A TMC polling agent, Maity also alleged that CPI(M) cadres ransacked his Rainagar home. All of them said the police were siding with the CPI(M) and even refusing to accept complaints.

In Nandigram and Kolkata, CPI(M) leaders insisted that there was no reason to hold off polls in Nandigram.

The EC has sought a report from the District Magistrate of East Midnapur. “Violence is being reported from Nandigram for the past few days. The SDPO and SDO have been sent to the spot. Till we receive the report there is no question of postponing elections there,” said S N Roychoudhury, Secretary, State Election Commission.

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