‘Operation’ remark by BJP nominee causes furore

Kolkata: A day before facing the Lok Sabha election, BJP candidate of Barrackpore Arjun Singh triggered controversy declaring that he orchestrates “new operation” in every poll.

He however claimed that he was not predicting   violence. Mr Singh also asserted that there would be no violence if the Election Commission would ensure free and fair polling.

Ignoring Mr Singh’s warning, his rival and two-time Trinamul Congress MP Dinesh Trivedi reposed his faith in the EC for a peaceful election.

On Sunday, Mr Singh went to meet special central police observer for West Bengal Vivek Dube who held a meeting with the district administration officials on the poll preparedness at Barasat in North 24 Parganas.

He later said, “I have full confidence. I am feeling Bindaas. There is no problem.” Reacting to the Trinamul’s claim of having advance knowledge of his plan since he was earlier with the party, Mr Singh said, “I carry out new operation in every election.”

On the question of fear of violence on Monday, Mr Singh elaborated, “Those who are saying this will indulge in violence. I am not predicting that there will be violence. The EC is ready. If it can conduct polling, there will be no violence.”