Bengal Panchayat Poll Violence A Wake-Up Call For Mamata Banerjee Leadership And Democratic Values

West Bengal Saturday witnessed what can only be described as one of the state’s most violent and blood-soaked panchayat elections in recent memory. The electoral process claimed the lives of over 15 people, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. While the alarming erosion of democratic values in the state is a matter of great concern, what is particularly disheartening is the evident lack of accountability exhibited by the ruling Trinamool Congress, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

This regrettable attitude only serves to compound the gravity of the situation. In the lead-up to the highly anticipated 2024 general elections, Mamata Banerjee found herself presented with a golden opportunity to showcase her prowess in both state administration and party leadership. But it is undeniable now that her performance in the rural elections was an abysmal failure. The TMC demonstrated its control over the administration not to save lives but to remain silent witnesses to the dance of death. 

Bengal Panchayat Election Was Death Of Democracy

The wave of violence in the run-up and during the West Bengal panchayat polls has undeniably struck a blow to the very essence of democratic principles. In the realm of democratic governance, a disconcerting pattern has emerged, characterised by the deliberate stifling of dissenting voices, the coercion of voters, and the cunning manipulation of electoral mechanisms. These worrisome developments have cast a shadow of doubt over the very essence of democracy in Bengal. From the very moment that Banerjee made the decision to appoint Rajiva Sinha, the former chief secretary of West Bengal, as the state election commissioner, the ominous clouds of democracy's suppression began to gather. After being appointed, he declared the dates of the panchayat elections in less than 24 hours without consulting any political party, or officials including DMs, BDOs, or the police. The state's lack of preparedness to conduct a massive election was a clear reflection of the abruptness of this decision. Elections were held across 3,317 gram panchayats. The stakes were high, with a staggering 63,329 gram panchayat seats, 9,730 panchayat samiti seats, and 928 zilla parishad seats up for grabs. 

In a recent string of hearings held in the Calcutta High Court, a glaring truth emerged — the State Election Commission displayed a distinct lack of enthusiasm to conduct an impartial election. In a stunning turn of events, the Calcutta HC's directive to deploy central forces during the elections was not only met with delay, but it also became evident on the day of the election that the poll panel had not meticulously appointed these forces. 

Mamata Banerjee Needs To Worry About Effects of Unstoppable Violence

In light of the panchayat elections, it is imperative for Mamata Banerjee to have grave concerns regarding the enduring repercussions of the unbridled violence that unfolded, irrespective of the election's ultimate outcome. In the wake of recent events, it is undeniable that the spectre of violence has cast a dark shadow over her once untarnished image. The unsettling incidents have not only sullied her reputation, but have also ignited a fervent debate surrounding her capacity to effectively uphold law and order within the state. In the tumultuous landscape of West Bengal, the unbridled wave of violence has become an alarming harbinger of distress, resonating with both the electorate and potential investors. This unchecked mayhem has cast a dark shadow over the state's progress and stability, impeding its path towards development. The ramifications for Mamata Banerjee's political future could be severe if she doesn't address the underlying causes of this violence.

Effect On Mamata's Performance In 2024 Elections

In the backdrop of the West Bengal panchayat elections held in 2018, a rather disconcerting turn of events unfolded as the TMC emerged victorious in a substantial number of seats without facing any opposition. However, this triumph was marred by a distressing wave of violence that ensued, resulting in a regrettable loss of 12 lives. In a turn of events that left political pundits astounded, the TMC witnessed a decline in its Lok Sabha tally the following year, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the formidable opposition party. 

In contemplating the future political landscape, one cannot help but consider the intriguing possibility of history repeating itself in the upcoming 2024 elections. It is imperative for Mamata Banerjee to duly acknowledge the undeniable reality that her party has been subjected to intense scrutiny and pressure from both the judiciary and central agencies in recent years, primarily due to the persistent issue of corruption. Several high-ranking TMC functionaries find themselves behind the bars due to their alleged involvement in corruption cases. This has left many questioning the integrity and credibility of the TMC, once considered a formidable force in West Bengal politics. As investigations unfold, the party's leadership faces an uphill battle to restore the public faith in the wake of the school recruitment scam, the coal scam, cow smuggling, and a myriad of other corruption issues.

These incidents have not only cast doubt on the party's integrity but have also raised significant concerns among the public. Amid the political landscape, a palpable sense of dissatisfaction is taking root among voters hailing from diverse communities, directed towards the TMC. In the recent bypolls, an intriguing development unfolded as the minority voter base of the party exhibited signs of shifting allegiance. This shift was further accentuated during the panchayat election, where clashes between the ruling party and supporters of the Indian Secular Front, a political organisation led by minority community leaders, shed light on the palpable discontent among Muslims towards Banerjee's leadership. In the realm of forthcoming political contests, it appears that Mamata Banerjee may face an exceptionally arduous path in 2024. The populace of Bengal, having grown weary and apprehensive of the political tactics employed by the TMC, seems poised to make their discontent known. 

Question On Abhishek Banerjee's Political Credibility

Violence during the West Bengal panchayat elections cast significant doubt on the leadership of Abhishek Banerjee, national general secretary of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He has failed to prove his ability to maintain law and order and guarantee a fair election process. He directed the TMC's panchayat election campaign and ensured there would be no violence. To make the panchayats "corruption-free", he also held a state-wide tour dubbed "Nabo Jowar" for over two weeks, during which the local populace was to choose the TMC's candidate for the panchayat elections. Abhishek's inability to govern the party is evidenced by the fact that the TMC's claims of great success are contradicted by the widespread violence.

(The author is a visiting professor of journalism, a political columnist, and a doctoral research scholar.)

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