Is this poriborton mamata banerjee

Is this poriborton mamata banerjee

West Bengal has not had the vaunted poriborton, or change, it was promised, when it comes to its political culture. Violence had been an integral part of the state’s politics during three and-half decades of uninterrupted Communist rule. Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress have continued with the tradition. Hence the latest bout of violence during the state’s panchayat elections. It does, however, shine the light on the Trinamool Congress’ interpretation of democratic values.

The use of violent intimidation as a tool in electoral contests might well be blamed on the Communists. But as the party in power, the Trinamool Congress bears the onus for ensuring peaceful, fair and free elections. It has the state’s law and order machinery to ensure this. Failing to ensure an atmosphere that is conducive to people’s participation in the democratic process as candidates and/or as voters is a dereliction of duty by the state’s elected government. The Trinamool leaders’ claim that they are the victims of poll-related violence is without merit. The events in West Bengal should also serve as a warning to those who tout for the return to the use of ballot papers against EVMs. Ballot boxes were destroyed and hijacked and, in some cases, ballot papers were burned during the panchayat elections in the state. The boxes and papers were not to blame, of course.

The events in West Bengal represent a clear and present danger to democracy. Free and fair elections are essential to a functioning democracy. Merely conducting periodic elections does not make for a functioning democracy. It is equally important to ensure that citizens are free to go about the business of life without fear and take part in elections without risk to life and limb. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and her administration have failed to do this.