Balurghat, April 10: Supporters of the CPM and the RSP, both constituents of the Left Front, clashed over alleged violation of model code of conduct in the Ramchandrapur gram panchayat area in Tapan late last evening.

The fight left a dozen men from each side injured. Two RSP supporters and one from the CPM have been admitted to the district hospital with injuries, police said. Two supporters from each party have been arrested.

Trouble started when labourers engaged by a contractor working for the RSP-controlled Ramchandrapur gram panchayat went to Jamtoli to erect electricity poles. The CPM members of the locality raised objections, citing model code of conduct for the panchayat elections.

This turned into a clash in which iron rods and lathis were used, the police said. The violence ended around 11pm. Seven CPM supporters and five belonging to the RSP were injured and taken to the hospital. Three were admitted.

“The election dates have been announced. The RSP-run panchayat started the rural electrification work without any work order or estimate,” said the CPM’s Tapan zonal secretary, Nandalal Hajra.

As people protested against the violation of the model code, the RSP members attacked them. “When our supporters intervened, they too, were attacked,” the CPM leader said.

On the other hand, the pradhan of the gram panchayat, Jullur Rahaman, scoffed at the CPM claim. “What we are doing is according to government rules. The work order has been issued and the estimate finalised before declaration of the election dates. The CPM supporters attacked the workers setting up the poles,” Rahaman added.