The BJP and Trinamul on Friday took out flagless processions and meetings in East Midnapore’s Nandigram, accusing each other of spreading violence.

With attendees numbering hundreds in each event, both violated the state government’s Covid-19 safety directive that bars the assembly of more than 50 persons at a time.

After being sworn in as the chief minister for a third term, Mamata Banerjee issued a directive on May 5 of not allowing more than 50 persons at a time in any type of assembly. In case of such assemblies, any organiser has to take permission from the administration.

On Friday morning, the BJP and many saffron organisations took out a procession without party flags with at least 1,000 people to protest against the alleged non-stop violence on workers of Opposition parties in Bengal. The procession was led by BJP’s district vice-president and a close aide to Suvendu Adhikari, Pralay Pal, who later held a street-corner meeting at Birulia Bazar, where Mamata was injured during her campaign on March 10.

“Even after the chief minister took oath, the violence and attacks on workers of the BJP and other Opposition parties haven’t stopped. Trinamul-backed goons are attacking those who worked for the BJP in the state polls,” said Pal.

Asked why they violated Covid protocols, Pal said they were forced to do so as the “degree of violence had become intolerable”.

Trinamul leaders headed by party leader Abu Taher took out a flagless procession under the banner of Nandigram Nagarik Committee from Kurighata to Hazraghata under Nandigram I block area.

Taher accused the BJP of spreading fake news and misinformation to foment tension.

Trinamul leaders also addressed a street-corner meeting in Kurighata without party flags.

Asked how he could violate the Covid protocol despite the directive of the chief minister, Taher said participants in the procession had followed physical distancing and other Covid safety protocols during the procession and meeting.

“The BJP is trying to spread its propaganda of hatred and divisive politics. They are spreading rumours and fake news on social media, which trigger tension. Our procession without party banner was to alert the people of Nandigram to stay away from such provocation,” said Taher.

Avneet Punia, the subdivisional officer of Haldia, under which Nandigram falls, said he had no idea about the Covid safety violation in the processions. He promised to inquire about them.