West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday alleged that State Election Commissioner (SEC) Rajiva Sinha has failed in discharging his duties during the panchayat elections.

Addressing a press conference, he urged Sinha to ensure that people's lives are protected during the polls, scheduled to be held on July 8.

"You are the custodian of the lives of the people during the election. You are the repository of all powers to ensure free and fair elections. The police, magistrate, and state machinery are under you during the elections. Then why this gruesome violence? Mr SEC you have failed in discharging your duties," he said.

"Mr SEC you must know who all are responsible for the lives lost. You are responsible for the corpses that fell on the streets. Mr SEC, do you know what your duty is? Bengal expects you to do your duty," he added.

So far, 16 deaths in violence connected to the elections have been reported in the state, according to officials.

About 5.67 crore people living in West Bengal's rural areas will be eligible to vote in the three-tier panchayat system, comprising zilla parishad, panchayat samiti and gram panchayat.

Meanwhile, central forces will remain deployed on ground till ten days after panchayat poll results are declared, Calcutta High Court has directed the Bengal State Election Commission.

The direction was passed in the wake of a petition filed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikary in apprehension of post-poll violence across the state.

The Commission, meanwhile, has directed district authorities to ensure that two armed police personnel, one each from central and state forces, are posted at each polling booth on the day of polls.