West Bengal: 5 incidents when TMC made mockery of democracy
The recent murders of 12 people in West Bengal's civic polls is nothing less than the murder of democracy itself. However, violence served with the right to vote is not an unfamiliar blend for WB. The unbroken 33-year rule of Communist Party of India until 2011 has left behind a legacy, which Mamata Banerjee ('Didi') has gladly taken forward, but with an additional element -communalism.
What's happening today?
Voting is at the heart of a functioning democracy, but it appears that the politicians of the Trinamool Congress, the ruling party led by Banerjee, have forgotten the hardships of the freedom movement under the British. Isn't it a mockery of our democracy, when a government can't safeguard the voting rights of its people? Here are some recent shreds of evidence for CM Banerjee to introspect.
2018 Civic Polls: Murder, booth capturing and more
The recently held West Bengal civic poll was a complete mess. Reportedly 12 people were killed. On May 30, few days after the poll, dead body of a BJP worker was found hanging with a note that said, "This is for doing BJP politics from age 18. Been trying to kill you since the vote. Failed. Today you are dead." It doesn't end there.
2017 Municipal elections: Bombs hurled, EVMs damaged
Last year in May incidents of violence marred the municipal elections held on seven seats. Reports said electronic voting machines were damaged and bombs were hurled near polling booths allegedly by the cadres of Trinamool Congress. As alleged, the motive behind these incidents was to scare away the voters. Moreover, a voter was hospitalized after being reportedly assaulted by the TMC cadre.
2016 Assembly Elections: Sporadic incidents of violence reported
Violence has been the norm in Bengal, every year. In the last phase of polling during the 2016 assembly elections in May, incidents of violence dominated certain constituencies. In Hooghly district, a TMC worker allegedly attacked a villager, injuring his head. Further, in South 24 Parganas, Central force jawans were forced to use batons to disperse a violent clash between TMC and CPM supporters near a polling booth.
2015 Municipal Elections: Reporters attacked, civilians injured
In October of 2015, the attack on democracy in Bengal crossed all precedents after 22 reporters were attacked by the TMC goons, amid raging violence that marked the Salt Lake and Asansol civic polls. The state election commissioner, Sushanta Ranjan Upadhyay had to resign following widespread reports of violence. TMC goons had also attacked civilians without any political affiliations.
2014 Lok Sabha: TMC goons turn Bengal into riot land
During the final phase of Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, large-scale violence and booth capturing took over the state, attacking the voting rights of its citizens. TMC members purportedly hurled bombs and fired shots. Reports claimed TMC lawmakers were leading the attacks in Basirhat constituency. Among 20 people who suffered injuries, at least four were gravely wounded. Will this ever stop?
