Kolkata, March 28 (NationPress) The BJP and Trinamool Congress engaged in a heated exchange following reports of clashes during Ram Navami celebrations, especially in Murshidabad as West Bengal prepares for its upcoming elections.

Earlier, disturbances were also noted in the Basanti Bazar area of South 24 Parganas, which is set to vote in the impending two-phase Assembly elections.

In response to the violence, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee stated to IANS, "The law-and-order situation is extremely poor in this state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seems to prefer appeasement politics to consolidate votes, which is her primary concern."

Chatterjee criticized the Trinamool Congress leader for her failure to serve the public during her tenure.

She claimed, "She has not contributed to the welfare of either the minority or majority communities."

Furthermore, she accused the Trinamool government in West Bengal of resorting to violence for electoral gains.

She added, "To secure votes, they instigate riots and violence. There is a palpable distrust among the people of West Bengal. Incidents like those in Murshidabad and Basanti are occurring."

Stressing the notion of anti-incumbency, Chatterjee remarked, "After 15 years of misrule, the citizens of West Bengal are well aware of their suffering, and this time, they are determined to replace the Trinamool government with the BJP."

"The entire nation must be informed of the Trinamool Congress's actions and how the populace has been deceived by their administration," she continued.

In the meantime, West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja expressed confidence that the relevant authorities would investigate the reported incidents.

She remarked, "If such events have occurred, the authorities will certainly address them, and under the Model Code of Conduct, the Election Commission will also scrutinize the situation. This is my belief."

Panja, however, accused the BJP of inciting unrest.

"We know that wherever the BJP organized Ram Navami rallies, real weapons were displayed, including knives and swords. Loud music was played on a day that commemorates the birth of Lord Ram. Provoking people in the name of Lord Ram through speeches can lead to uncontrollable situations," she conveyed to IANS.

She further alleged that the BJP attempted to transform the Ram Navami procession into a political event.

"Our (Trinamool's) rallies have not faced any law-and-order issues. The BJP is the one attempting to disrupt the peace in West Bengal," the minister concluded.