CPI condemns Chennai train bomb explosions

The CPI on Thursday demanded adequate deployment of central forces for the remaining two phases of elections in West Bengal, saying widespread booth capturing and rigging was reported during polling on Wednesday. "Widespread booth capturing and massive rigging have been reported. The Election Commission has to consider ordering repoll in places where such a demand has been raised," the party Central Secretariat said in a statement.

It urged the Election Commission to "ensure adequate deployment of central forces as has been promised so many times so that free and fair poll takes places in the next phases of polling in West Bengal." 

The CPI also condemned the bomb blasts on a train in Chennai on Thursday and asked the government and intelligence agencies to conduct a thorough probe.

"The nation is in the midst of general elections to the Lok Sabha. Media has reported the arrest of a terrorist at Chennai Airport who travelled from Sri Lanka a couple of days ago. The circumstances obviously cause serious concern," it said.

The Left party also sought close coordination between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government to pin down the culprits and extension of all help to the injured and the next of kin of those killed.