Editor
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has written a letter to the Union Home Minister, urging the Central Government to intervene and restore democracy in West Bengal. The party claims that the state has witnessed the death of democracy, with free and fair elections becoming a distant dream. The recent Panchayat elections held on July 8, 2023, unfolded a wave of violence orchestrated by the ruling party, while security forces remained passive spectators.
Unprecedented Violence and Electoral Irregularities:
The BJP highlights that the districts most affected by violence include South 24 Paraganas, North 24 Paraganas, Murshidabad, Paschim Medinipore, Purba Medinipore, Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Bankura, Hooghly, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda, and East Bardhaman. Shockingly, 15 political deaths occurred on the day of the poll, indicative of the severity of the situation. Instances of booth capturing, rigging, and fake voting were reported across all districts, while BJP workers and candidates faced life threats, assaults, loot, and vandalism. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters were involved in snatching voter and Aadhaar cards of common voters, further undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
Lack of Security Measures and Election Mismanagement:
The letter highlights that only a few booths were provided with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) security, while the majority relied on local police personnel and civic volunteers, blatantly disregarding the directives of the High Court. The State Election Commission failed to provide clear information on the deployment of CAPF. Incidents of throwing and damaging ballot boxes were reported throughout the state, both inside and outside polling booths, resulting in casualties and injuries.
Call for Central Government Intervention:
In light of these grave circumstances, the BJP strongly urges the Central Government to intervene and take immediate action to restore democracy in West Bengal. The party seeks to ensure that the democratic principles of free and fair elections are upheld, enabling the citizens of West Bengal to exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation.
The BJP's letter to the Union Home Minister highlights the alarming state of democracy in West Bengal, marked by widespread violence and electoral irregularities. The party's call for Central Government intervention underscores the urgency to restore the democratic process and protect the rights of the people of West Bengal. The situation demands swift action to uphold the core principles of democracy and ensure a fair and transparent electoral system in the state.