Residents call for elections boycott in Kalyani

Kalyani: In an unusual political incident, around 4000 residents of Rathtala area of Nadia district, decided to boycott the upcoming West Bengal panchayat poll to be held in May, demanding their immediate inclusion under the Kalyani civic authorities. The three phased panchayat elections in the state to be held in May 11, 14 and 18.

Besides the opposition parties, some members of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) also came up, extending their full support to the people's demand. As a result of this, no political party submitted their nomination for the two panchayat seats under the Kanchrapara Gram panchayat body creating an administrative crisis.

The CPI (M), which despite a strong support base allegedly delayed in the inclusion of the Rathtala area under the civic control. The CPI (M) which initially nominated their candidates, but later withdrawn them supporting the 'protest movement' launched by the local residents.

Located between Kalyani and Kanchrapara municipalities, the residents of Jadunath-Bati and Kanchrapara-Char feel deprived of many amenities. “It is quite embarrassing to live in a so-called urban set up, where civic facilities are not provided due to official obligation of the Panchayat,” said local CPI (M) leader Mrityun Mandal. “We have been repeatedly assured vaguely and so now decided to see the end,” the leader added.

Kalyani Zonal CPI (M) secretary Partha Bhattacharjee said, “The demand is logical and the administration must adhere to it.” However, he added, “The process to incorporate the area in question is going on, which is now delayed by panchayat poll.”

The Trinamool Congress leaders, however, termed it as an outcome of the internal rivalry of the CPI (M). Meanwhile, sources in district administration claimed that the process of delimitation is caused the delay and once the panchayat election is over, the area will be included with the Kalyani Municipality.

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