Scuffle, blame game marks panchayat polls in Nandigram

POLL BATTLE: There was a bitter war of words between CRPF DIG Alok Raj and CPM MP.

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Nandigram: Serious differences cropped up between the central paramilitary forces deployed in Nandigram for the panchayat polls and the ruling CPM. The Bengal police also found itself in confrontation with the CRPF.

Those were the ominous highlights of panchayat polls in Nandigram, which remained more or less peaceful during the day.

There was a bitter war of words in Nandigram between CRPF DIG Alok Raj and CPM MP from Haldia Lakshman Seth in the morning of the polling day.

This exchange set the tone for a turbulent polling day in Bengal's battleground. The row erupted when two women of Sonachura village filed an FIR against Alok Raj alleging he molested them late Saturday night.

While CPM leaders are demanding action against the cop, Alok Raj says he is being framed.

A visit to ground zero reveals serious discontent against the paramilitary personnel for being ruthless in the name of peacekeeping.

CRPF jawans were found chasing CPM activists after polls were suspended at the booth in Jalpai Number 7. This after armed supporters of the red brigade allegedly captured the booth.

Sporadic violence was also reported in a few other areas. Gokulnagar saw the two peacekeeping forces of CRPF and local police clash. While Union Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi was stopped from entering Nandigram, prompting him to stage a sit-in.

Though voter turnout was predictably low, beating all odds were the women of Nandigram who came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

People now are eagerly awaiting the results which are due in 10 days and, of course peace which has deserted them for over a year and half.