Introduction
As India eagerly awaited the announcement of the Lok Sabha election results, a disconcerting development emerged in West Bengal, a state grappling with a disquieting history of political violence. In a bid to maintain law and order and preempt potential unrest, the Central Government at the request of the ECI took the step of deploying a staggering 400 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across the state. This substantial deployment, comprising 40,000 personnel from various paramilitary forces, is slated to remain in West Bengal until June 19, 2024 – a fortnight after the declaration of the Lok Sabha election results.
Police detained five villagers in Sandeshkhali after a violent incident, leading to a protest led by women. (PTI Photo)
The decision to station such a substantial security contingent underscores the grave concerns over the potential for post-poll violence in West Bengal, a state that has witnessed harrowing incidents of political reprisals and intimidation in the past. The memories of the 2021 post-poll violence, which left a trail of destruction and trauma in its wake, loom large, casting a pall of trepidation over the impending electoral outcome.
The Ghosts of 2021: Survivors' Harrowing Accounts
In the wake of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party's victory in the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, a wave of violence engulfed the state, leaving a trail of devastation and trauma in its wake. Numerous BJP workers and supporters were targeted, with reports of killings, rapes, assaults, and the looting and destruction of homes becoming all too common. Sangeeta Yadav, the wife of Joy Prakash Yadav, a BJP worker who was brutally murdered by TMC goons on June 6, 2021, recounted the harrowing ordeal. Sangeeta described how her husband, fearing for their safety, had taken her and their children to her maternal home before the incident. However, on that fateful day, the attackers threw a bomb at her husband's face, killing him instantly in front of their son. Sangeeta's mother-in-law was also injured, sustaining damage to both ears from the explosion.
Srikanta Khetarpal, the brother of Kush Khetarpal, a 26-year-old BJP supporter who was killed by TMC goons, shared a similar tale of woe. Kush had been repeatedly threatened by TMC members for his support of the BJP, and on May 6, 2021, he was abducted while on his way to apologize to the TMC members. Two days later, his body was found with multiple injuries, including a significant incision on the skull and a missing ear.
Biswajeet Sarkar, the brother of Avijit Sarkar, who was lynched by hundreds of TMC goons on May 2, 2021, recounted the brutal killing of his brother, which Avijit had documented on Facebook just hours before his death. According to Biswajeet, the TMC workers stormed their local party office, hurled bombs, and dragged his brother out, crushing his head with a large stone in front of their eyes.
The Election Commission has decided to deploy 125 companies of central forces in West Bengal. (NDTV)
Gautam Halder, the husband of Chandana Halder, a BJP worker who was beaten to death by TMC goons on July 2, 2021, shared his heartbreaking story. Chandana and Gautam had rushed to aid Gautam's cousin, Swarup Halder, who had been brutally attacked by TMC goons. However, upon arriving at the scene, the goons turned their wrath on Chandana and Gautam, beating them mercilessly. Chandana succumbed to her injuries, leaving Gautam to raise their two sons alone, living in fear for their safety.
Ranjit Barai's father, Ramprasad Barai, a 72-year-old man, was arbitrarily detained by the police on the night of December 13, 2020, under mysterious circumstances. Despite the family's pleas, they were not allowed to meet him, and on January 13, 2021, they were informed of his death. Ranjit alleged that the local TMC MLA, Jagadish Chandra Barma, was behind his father's death and that he continues to receive death threats, forcing him to seek refuge in the jungles at night to evade potential harm.
These chilling accounts paint a grim picture of the reality faced by those who dared to hold different political beliefs in West Bengal. The survivors' stories are a testament to the depth of suffering endured by countless individuals and families, living in a state where dissent and opposition were met with brutal suppression and violence.
The Rationale Behind the Deployment
The decision to deploy 400 companies of CAPF in West Bengal, comprising personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), is a proactive measure aimed at preventing a repeat of the 2021 post-poll violence.
According to an official statement, the deployment seeks to establish area dominance, build confidence among citizens, and ensure a peaceful environment while maintaining law and order in the state. The traumatic experiences of the past have underscored the need for a robust security presence to deter potential perpetrators and instill a sense of safety among the populace. The use of violence as a means of suppressing political opponents has become a hallmark of TMC rule in West Bengal. Since Mamata Banerjee's government retained power, the persecution of dissenters and opposition members has intensified, with reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence becoming increasingly commonplace.
The deployment of CAPF personnel is a clear signal from the Election Commision of India that it will not tolerate any disruption of law and order or infringement upon the democratic rights of citizens. By establishing a strong security presence, the authorities aim to create an environment where individuals can exercise their political choices without fear of retribution or violence.
The Election Commission (EC) submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs following requests from the Chief Electoral Officers of all states and Union Territories for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for election-related duties. These duties include area domination, confidence-building measures, poll day responsibilities, guarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and strong room centers, and ensuring security at counting centers during the general elections and the assembly elections in four states: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim.
Restoring Confidence and Ensuring a Peaceful Transition
The presence of CAPF personnel in West Bengal is not only a deterrent to potential perpetrators of violence but also a means of restoring confidence among the citizenry. The harrowing accounts of survivors have eroded the trust of many in the state's ability to maintain law and order, particularly during periods of heightened political tension. By deploying a substantial security force, the Central Government aims to reassure the people of West Bengal that their safety and the integrity of the democratic process are paramount considerations. The CAPF personnel will play a crucial role in ensuring that the post-election period unfolds peacefully, without any disruptions or intimidation tactics aimed at influencing the outcome.
Women try to prevent policemen from entering their village to search for a BJP leader at Sarberia in Sandeshkhali on Sunday. Picture by Pashupati Das
Moreover, the deployment serves as a reminder that the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights are cornerstones of a democratic society. No individual or group should be subjected to violence or intimidation for exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights, and the presence of CAPF personnel reinforces this principle.
Conclusion
The decision to deploy 400 companies of Central Armed Police Forces in West Bengal is a bold and necessary step in ensuring a peaceful and orderly transition in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha elections. The chilling accounts of survivors of the 2021 post-poll violence serve as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked political reprisals and the urgent need for robust security measures.
By establishing a strong security presence, the authorities aim to deter potential perpetrators, restore confidence among the populace, and uphold the democratic principles of free and fair elections. The deployment sends a clear message that the Central Government is committed to preserving the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. As India celebrates the triumph of democracy through the electoral process, it is imperative that the sanctity of this process be safeguarded, ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts. The deployment of CAPF personnel in West Bengal is a critical step in this direction, underscoring the nation's unwavering commitment to upholding the democratic values that have been the bedrock of its success as a vibrant and inclusive society.
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