THOUSANDS of people marched through streets in Kolkata, protesting against ongoing post-poll violence in West Bengal. Left parties and other supporting parties participated in the massive rally.

West Bengal is witness to unending violence perpetrated by the TMC and the BJP in different parts of the state. More than 10 people have already died in clashes. Apart from loss of life, attack on houses, shops, arson, terror in villages have increased. In parts of the state, particularly in Barrackpore industrial area, this has turned communal too. There are provocations from both the TMC and the BJP to incite violence in the name of religion, and between Bengalis and non-Bengali speaking people; kind of things never seen in the past. The chief minister herself has provoked tension in the disturbed areas. With TMC breaking up and many leaders, MLA-s, councillors joining BJP, the colour of criminals has also changed.

Left Front has already organised rallies in affected areas, in districts too. On June 19, the rally started from Mahajati Sadan in north Kolkata and marched more than six kilometres to reach Park Circus. Thousands of people participated in the rally for peace and harmony with red flags. Slogans were raised against enemies of amity, for the defence of traditions of Bengal. The questions of livelihood were also raised.

Apart From CPI(M) , the rally was represented by CPI, RSP, Forward Bloc, Marxist Forward Bloc, Workers’ Party, NCP, Bolshevik Party, BBC, RCPI, PDS, Loktantrik Janata Dal, CPI (ML-Santosh Rana). Biman Basu, Surjyakanta Misra led the rally. Basu said, apart from authoritarianism a new danger of communalism has raised its head in Bengal. The Left will resist this with last drop of blood.

On the same day, a massive rally was organised in Siliguri. Hundreds of people marched from Bagha Jatin Park to Airview junction.