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Mamata hints at early Assembly elections

Photo: Sushanta Patronobish

“Be patient”: Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee addressing a party rally in Hooghly district on Wednesday.

GARBARI (HOOGHLY): Hinting that the political turmoil in West Bengal could result in early State Assembly elections, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee asked her supporters here on Wednesday to be “patient” and fight against the CPI (Marxist) “politically”.

Addressing a party rally in protest against the killing of a supporter in September and subsequent violence against party men, allegedly by the CPI(M), Ms. Banerjee said: “Given the violent situation in the State, how do you know that the Assembly elections will not be held within six or even two months? But you (Trinamool Congress supporters) need to be patient.” The State elections are due in 2011.

Sporadic incidents of violence en route the location of the rally added to the tension on Wednesday. Blockades were put up by CPI(M) supporters on the road leading to the rally ground at three spots and supporters of the both the parties, armed with swords, bamboo staves and brickbats, were seen jeering at each other.

Daring the CPI(M) to test its strength in the electoral battle amidst loud cheers from the crowd, she said that she will fight it out “politically and democratically”. Reiterating the alleged nexus between the Maoists and the CPI(M), Ms. Banerjee called them “twins” and blamed the State Government of supplying arms to the Maoists.

Claiming that the TC was not in favour of the President’s rule in the State, she alleged that the violent actions sponsored by the CPI(M) itself is hurtling the State towards President’s rule.

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Mamata hints at early Assembly elections

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