Buddhadeb trying to manipulate polls, says Mamata

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had tried to manipulate polling in his Jadavpur assembly constituency.

"It is a matter of shame and I am ashamed to say that state Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has tried to manipulate polling in few of the areas of his constituency. He is using the state police in the area by using his powers. We will inform the Election Commission about it," Banerjee told a news channel.

Banerjee also appealed to the masses to vote without fear. In some places, she complained, the ruling Marxists were deliberately slowing down the pace of the polls.

"At a few places, we have reports that polling agents close to CPI-M were deliberately slowing down the pace of polls. But this time it is of no use as people will give appositive vote to change this useless government. I would call upon the people to vote freely and fairly," said Banerjee.