“He must apologise for the gross misconduct on the part of his party cadre and the government, which failed to conduct a free and fair democratic exercise,” Dasmunsi said.

“The violence, organised by the CPM, is indicative of how completely intolerant the party is towards its opponents, as is the tragic sequence of events at Basanti in South 24-Parganas and Domjur in Howrah,” he said.

Pre-election violence was continuing in the Jalpaiguri, Malda and Murshidabad districts, he said. “It is time for all democratic parties, including the Left Front partners, to protest the cruel methods of the CPM cadre backed by the police,” Dasmunsi said.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee alleged CPM cadres have become an extra-constitutional authority at the grassroots level. “It’s a dangerous trend for democracy,” she said.