Bengal Post-Poll Violence: Why Isn't Home Minister Taking Stronger Action against West Bengal Govt?

Persistent Violence in Bengal

The ongoing post-poll violence in Bengal remains a grim reality. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and supporters are frequently targeted, attacked, and even killed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) goons after each election. Families of the deceased mourn silently, while the injured and displaced face severe hardships, often having to pay fines to local TMC leaders to return home. This cycle of violence has persisted since the Left Front rule in the state, with the Congress and TMC being previous victims. Despite Mamata Banerjee's promise of 'badal' (change) and not 'badla' (revenge), the TMC has surpassed the Left Front in perpetrating violence against political opponents, primarily the BJP.

Lack of Support from BJP Leadership

The BJP leadership's inaction in protecting party workers and supporters from TMC's wrath and failing to hold the Banerjee government accountable has been surprising and unexpected. Despite the widespread brutality, the BJP's central and state leaders have largely confined their responses to social media condemnations. Very few leaders have actively supported beleaguered karyakartas on the ground, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Financial assistance from the party has been limited, even though it is known that the BJP does not face a shortage of funds.

Ineffective Legal Measures

The BJP's central leadership has emphasized a legal approach to counter TMC's barbarism, filing cases and petitions seeking intervention from the courts and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). However, the legal route is long, expensive, and often ineffective, with bodies like the NHRC unable to take direct action against the state government. This approach has been seen as inadequate, particularly in light of the brutal attacks on BJP workers.

Criticism from Within the BJP

Senior BJP leaders and workers have expressed frustration with the party's central leadership. After BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar was killed by TMC goons, BJP president J P Nadda's response was seen as weak. During his visit to Sarkar's family, Nadda condemned the violence but reiterated the party's commitment to a "constitutional" fight. This stance has been criticized by many within the party, who believe that Mamata Banerjee's tactics require a stronger response. Some leaders argue that if the roles were reversed, Banerjee would have taken drastic measures against the BJP.

Calls for Stronger Action

Many BJP workers and functionaries have called for a tougher stance against the TMC. They argue that the central leadership's failure to act decisively has demoralized the party's cadres and supporters. This demoralization has affected the BJP's performance, as the lack of ground support has made it difficult to counter TMC's rigging and muscle power during elections. Former state party president Tathagata Roy and other senior leaders have warned that continued inaction will lead to the BJP's decline in Bengal.

Possible Measures Against TMC

Some BJP leaders have suggested that Home Minister Amit Shah should issue a direct warning to Mamata Banerjee, threatening strong counter-actions if violence against BJP workers continues. This could include the imposition of Article 355, which would allow the Union government to take direct control of law and order in the state. They believe that such a warning, if issued seriously, would have an immediate effect on curbing the violence. Without such decisive action, the BJP's prospects in Bengal,  look bleak.

In summary, the BJP leadership's failure to take a strong stand against TMC's post-poll violence has left party workers and supporters vulnerable and demoralized. Many within the party are calling for stronger measures to protect their members and hold the Banerjee government accountable.