Seven members of the Trinamul-run Amdabad-II gram panchayat in East Midnapore on Wednesday submitted a no-confidence motion with the BDO seeking the removal of panchayat chief Sabita Barik.

Most of the 13-member rural body said their complaint was based on Barik’s “total complacency and inaction” during the coronavirus lockdown. The Opposition, however, claimed the move was the latest episode of Trinamul’s faction rivalry in Nandigram.

“Barik has neither reported for meetings after the lockdown started, nor has she responded to calls and complaints,” said Trinamul leader Rowsan Ali.

“We have been meeting constantly to take important lockdown-related decisions regarding health care, ration distribution, enforcement of quarantine, and police surveillance of the area. But she has not taken part in anything and her absence has disrupted our efforts,” Ali added.

Barik refuted the charges and said she could not attend the meetings because of illness.