Kolkata, Dec 3 (IANS): In the wake of a spurt in political clashes in West Bengal, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday called for peace and asked everyone to abjure violence which "brings bad name to a state".

"West Bengal should be a very peaceful state. We must abjure violence. Violence brings bad name to a state," the Governor told mediapersons while on a visit to the Botanical Gardens in Shibpur.

Dhankhar said his "heart bleeds" as a Governor whenever he notices any violent incidents.

"Let us get away from violence. Democracy does not mean violence. Democracy means peaceful co-existence," he said.

The Governor reiterated that in a democracy political parties are competitors and adversaries, but not enemies.

"Political parties cannot be enemies of each other. They can be adversaries of each other. They can compete with each other," he said.

In the aftermath of the by-elections to three assembly constituencies, there have been reports of clashes between the BJP and Trinamool Congress in various parts of the state, leaving a number of people injured, and triggering attacks on offices of both parties.