With Mamata Banerjee in the leadership for many years, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has dominated West Bengal's political scene. However, this extended exclusivity has frequently resulted in power abuse and misuse.
Public confidence in the party's leadership has declined due to its emphasis on personal enrichment at the expense of taxpayers. This has led to West Bengal lagging behind in growth and development despite India's general advancement since independence.
The Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has supported a culture of intimidation and violence, endangering the state's democracy. The State Election Commission has been under fire from opposition groups like the BJP and CPM for taking a passive stance and allegedly behaving as a "mute spectator" in the face of irregularities, rigging, and violence.
Violence and voter intimidation incidents have already occurred during the elections in 108 West Bengal municipalities, raising concerns about the government's disregard for people exercising their democratic rights.
The severity of the situation is highlighted by reports of fights and the use of homemade bombs in numerous locations.
At the same time, the police’s apparent passivity despite their presence and protection feeds suspicions of corruption or deliberate inaction. These aggressive tactics used to obtain control over vote shares undermine democracy while also alienating people from the ruling class.
In the lead-up to the panchayat elections, there was alarming intimidation and violence directed towards opposition candidates and party members, which is indicative of a deeply rooted and unsettling feature of West Bengal's political culture.
In just the past week alone, numerous incidents of violence against BJP candidates, threats made to opposition candidates, and forced withdrawal of nominations have come to light.
Threats and other forms of coercion are used to discourage voters from choosing parties other than the TMC. Furthermore, false information is being disseminated that says votes can be tracked and that anyone who doesn't support the TMC would suffer the repercussions.
Due to bombings and threats against its employees, the BJP and Congress have both petitioned the High Court for an extension on the deadline for submitting candidates.
Except for Siliguri, where the polls were largely calm, there were worrying instances of vote-rigging, violence, and voter intimidation. Additionally, independent candidates have expressed worries about being intimidated by TMC party members and being prevented from submitting nominations against TMC candidates.
Elections in Asansol, Bidhanagar, and Chandanagar have been marked by violence, such as shootings, explosions, and physical attacks on candidates.
The gravity of the problem is shown by the court's decision to deploy central forces in areas with insufficient police presence and consider extending the nomination deadline.
Serious charges of fraudulent voting, denial of voting rights to thousands of voters, and even dead people casting their votes have been made by opposition parties, particularly the BJP.
The nomination process and campaigns in subsequent elections, from local councils to the state assembly, are tarnished by the ongoing electoral violence in West Bengal.
To restore public confidence in the voting process, fast action is required given the ongoing municipal elections and prior incidents of electoral violence. West Bengal has to stop the cycle of violence and concentrate on inclusive development for its people.
To sustain the true spirit of democracy, the government must guarantee the protection and security of voters and candidates, regardless of their political allegiances.
The BJP and Congress, two fierce political foes, need to fight against the abuses carried out by Mamta Banerjee’s party goons and must realise how vital it is to eradicate the vices of violence that threaten free and open elections.
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