Home Ministry warns of violence on counting day, alerts states
Today, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sent an alert to all states warning of possible violence on Thursday when votes for Lok Sabha polls will be counted. The ministry sent a communication to state chief secretaries and DGPs to warn about possible violence and has asked them to keep a check. The Lok Sabha polls for 543 constituencies concluded on May 19.
Alert was issued in wake of calls for violence
The alert was issued after calls were made and statements were passed to incite violence. Notably, several provocative remarks were made by leaders across the nation and the MHA clearly doesn't want to take any chances. The state authorities have been directed to maintain law & order, peace, and public tranquility by taking adequate measures. The counting of votes will begin at 8 AM.
Earlier, Upendra Kushwaha called for violence to 'safeguard' votes
MHA's warning can't be called unwarranted. On Tuesday, former NDA ally and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) leader Upendra Kushwaha said "blood will flow" if BJP tries to manipulate poll results. "Just as we are allowed the right to self-defense, even to the extent of taking up arms to safeguard our lives, we are allowed to do the same for our votes," Kushwaha said.
Notably, West Bengal voted in shadow of violence
It's also important to recall that Lok Sabha elections were mired in violence, especially in West Bengal. The Eastern state voted in all seven phases and none of them were peaceful. Despite the heavy deployment of central forces, violence was reported from booths. Both ruling Trinamool and BJP traded barbs and blamed each other for the blood that spilled.
