In a letter to Gandhi, the NGO has alleged that the ruling CPM is bent on engaging in an exercise that was more “physical than electoral.” Citing the recent examples of rape and murder, the NGO stated that instead of bringing new hope, the ensuing panchayat elections have resulted in more violence that indicates the “total collapse” of law and order in the state. According to the organisation, Nandigram — that has been witnessing incidents of arson, loot, murder and rape since the chemical hub was proposed there —- is once again the scene of worst pre-poll violence. Some 35 candidates and numerous voters have reportedly fled their homes after their voter ID cards were snatched.