BJP forms 4-member committee to investigate post-election violence in West Bengal
- In Reports
- 06:02 PM, Jun 15, 2024
- Myind Staff
BJP national president J P Nadda established a four-member committee to investigate allegations of post-poll violence in West Bengal, a decision applauded by the party's state unit. The committee, chaired by party MPs Biplab Kumar Deb, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Brij Lal, and Kavita Patidar, with Deb serving as convener, was formed in response to concerns raised following recent elections.
A statement issued by BJP's national general secretary Arun Singh highlighted the peaceful conclusion of Lok Sabha elections across India's states and union territories. However, it noted that despite this calm, West Bengal has experienced a troubling pattern of post-election violence, reminiscent of incidents following the 2021 Assembly elections.
In reaction to the committee's formation, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) criticised the move as "another drama by the BJP," casting doubt on the motivations behind the inquiry. The BJP's initiative aims to investigate and address reported instances of violence, signalling ongoing tensions in the state's political landscape despite nationwide electoral tranquillity.
The establishment of the committee underscores the BJP's proactive stance in addressing allegations of post-poll violence, reflecting broader concerns within West Bengal's political sphere and prompting varying reactions from political stakeholders.
The opposition party has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of failing to intervene to quell the violence. They alleged that criminals from her party have been attacking and intimidating opposition workers and voters without consequence. The Calcutta High Court has also acknowledged these incidents, extending the deployment of CAPF until 21st June and scheduling a further review on 18th June.
In response to the situation, BJP National President Shri JP Nadda has appointed a committee to visit West Bengal promptly, assess the conditions on the ground, and submit a detailed report.
The BJP has accused the TMC of widespread post-election violence following the Lok Sabha results. The Calcutta High Court extended the deployment of CAPF until June 21 and scheduled a hearing on June 18.
The state BJP supported the central leadership's decision to form a four-member committee. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya stated that violence occurred only in West Bengal after the polls, allegedly as retaliation by the TMC against BJP supporters. He highlighted incidents such as vandalism of BJP workers' homes, forced displacements, and threats.
Senior TMC leader Santanu Sen has criticised the BJP's actions, describing them as another attempt to tarnish West Bengal's reputation. "This is simply another theatrical move by the BJP. It's clear that the party has not learned from its defeats in the Bengal elections. The more they target our people, the more they will distance themselves from them. The people of Bengal rejected them in the Lok Sabha polls, and in the 2026 state Assembly elections, they will face complete defeat," Sen remarked.
Image source: Indian Express
Comments