Kolkata, June 16 (IANS): The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Sunday said there were "ominous signs" for West Bengal, which has "regressed" under the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime.

"The hallmark of the Mamata Banerjee government has been regression. Bengal has regressed in terms of democracy and in terms of law and order. The signs are ominous," CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury told the media persons here.

He criticised the West Bengal government for the widespread violence ahead of the upcoming panchayat (rural body) polls and the recent spate of crimes against women.

"These are negative signs for democracy. Trinamool is winning uncontested, rival party candidates are attacked to prevent or to withdraw poll nominations. It is politics of terror under the umbrella of democracy," said Yechury.

According to the State Election Commission, around 15 percent of seats in the panchayat polls have gone to the Trinamool Congress uncontested.

With the National Crime Records Bureau in its latest report putting West Bengal atop the chart concerning atrocities against women, Yechury expressed concern over the law and order situation in the state, which witnessed a spate of rapes and murders in the past one month.

"Calcutta (Kolkata) used to be the pride of India with women roaming freely at any point of time, without any insecurity. That image of the city has taken a serious beating," added Yechury.