BJP president Amit Shah today blamed Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool for the violence, arson and vandalism at his roadshow in Kolkata yesterday. "I wouldn't have got away unhurt without the CRPF's protection," Amit Shah told reporters in Delhi, accusing the Trinamool of "attacking" his roadshow.

"Mamata didi, you are fighting on only 42 seats in one state. The BJP is fighting in every state. If only Bengal is facing violence, then it is because of the Trinamool," the BJP chief said.

He added that it was evident from the Trinamool's conduct that the "ulti ginti (countdown)" had begun for Mamata Banerjee's party in Bengal.

"There is no need for president's rule. The people were end their rule. Mamata Didi's days are over after May 23 (counting day)."

On Tuesday, there were clashes between supporters of the BJP and the Trinamool as Amit Shah took out his roadshow through Kolkata's College Street. A sea of saffron, BJP flags and characters from the Ramayana were part of the roadshow that took an 8 km route through the heart of the Bengal capital.

The clashes erupted after BJP supporters allegedly reacted to posters of "Amit Shah Go Away" held by activists outside the Calcutta University and the Vidyasagar University. At the Vidyasagar University, a bust of iconic 19th century social reformer and educationist Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was smashed, with both parties accusing each other of the vandalism.

"The gates were shut, our roadshow was outside, our workers were outside, the bust was inside a room, which would have presumably been locked. The keys must have been with the college management. How can we break the statue," Amit Shah said. Distributing photos of the clashes, the BJP chief accused the Election Commission of being a "mute spectator" and not acting against the Trinamool.

The Trinamool also released what it called proof that the gates were broken and that BJP men entered the college.

Amit Shah accused Trinamool activists of throwing stones at the roadshow and tearing up posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and himself. Asked about a Trinamool complaint accusing him of instigating mob violence, Amit Shah said: "They can see what happened for themselves."

In Bengal, he said, the BJP would win "23 seats" and sweep the election.