The Price of Power: Violence in West Bengal’s Panchayat Elections

There has been widespread violence in West Bengal in the run-up to the panchayat elections, which were held on July 8, 2023. At least 18 people have been killed and dozens more injured in clashes between supporters of rival political parties.

The violence has been particularly concentrated in the districts of Murshidabad, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas. In Murshidabad, a 52-year-old Trinamool Congress worker was killed on July 6, allegedly by supporters of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). In Nadia, a BJP polling agent was shot dead on July 7. And in North 24 Parganas, a Congress worker was killed in a bomb attack on July 8.

The violence has been condemned by all political parties, but it has raised concerns about the safety of voters and the fairness of the elections. The Election Commission of India has deployed thousands of central forces to West Bengal to help keep the peace, but the violence has continued.

The panchayat elections are a crucial test for the ruling Trinamool Congress party. The party has been in power in West Bengal for over a decade, and it is hoping to win a majority of seats in the panchayats. However, the opposition parties are hoping to capitalize on the violence and anti-incumbency sentiment to make gains in the elections.

The results of the panchayat elections will be announced on July 11. The outcome of the elections will be closely watched as a sign of the mood of the electorate in West Bengal ahead of the next general election in 2024.

Here are some of the reasons cited for the violence:

• Political rivalry: The panchayat elections are seen as a proxy battle between the Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Both parties are vying for control of the panchayats, which are important local bodies with a lot of power and influence.
• Money and muscle power: The panchayat elections are also seen as a way for political parties to consolidate their power and influence in rural areas. This has led to the use of money and muscle power to intimidate voters and rig the elections.
• Lack of law and order: The state government has been accused of failing to maintain law and order in the run-up to the elections. This has created a sense of impunity among political party workers, who have been carrying out violent attacks with little fear of reprisal.

The violence in West Bengal is a serious concern. It is not only a threat to the safety of voters and the fairness of the elections, but it also undermines the rule of law and democracy in the state. The state government and the Election Commission of India need to take urgent steps to stop the violence and ensure that the elections are held in a free and fair manner.