Bhatkal: Residents have expressed anger over the poor condition of roads in and around the popular tourist destination of Murdeshwar, saying commuters are facing severe hardship.

According to locals, the road stretch from Bastimakki to Urban Bank in National Colony has remained in bad shape for several years. They said the situation has worsened over the last five months after gravel was spread on the road in the name of repair work and left unfinished.

People alleged that movement of vehicles on the loose gravel has become dangerous, and several persons have reportedly slipped and suffered injuries.

Residents said the issue has been brought to the notice of minister Mankal Vaidya on several occasions, but no clear action has been taken so far.

Locals also claimed that though many promises were made during the election period, it has now become difficult even to reach the minister.

They warned that if officials and the contractor fail to complete the road work immediately, they would be forced to launch a strong protest in the coming days.

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Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.

A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".

"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.

"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.

Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.

Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."

TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.

TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.

A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.

Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."

"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.

South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.