BJP Candidates Can’t File Nominations Amid Attacks In West Bengal
On the last day of filing nominations for the West Bengal panchayat elections, BJP candidates faced violent attacks and intimidation, preventing them from submitting their papers.
Arjun Sardar, a BJP candidate from Sandeshkhali, had to travel 100 km from his village to the Basirhat Sub-Divisional Officers’ office in Kolkata to file his nomination due to the prevailing violence.
Along with around 40 BJP leaders, led by state party chief Sukanta Majumdar, they attempted to submit their nominations but were met with attacks by TMC leaders.
The candidates reported a reign of terror and violence orchestrated by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers, with instances of beatings and threats. Despite the presence of police, the attacks continued unabated.
The candidates were unable to reach the Basirhat SDO office and decided to travel to the State Election Commission (SEC) office in Kolkata, another 65 km away. They halted for lunch at a local BJP office before proceeding with Majumdar leading the way.
Upon reaching the SEC office, the candidates protested outside, demanding acceptance of their nominations. Eventually, they were informed that their papers could not be accepted.
The BJP expressed disappointment in the SEC’s decision and announced their intention to approach the Calcutta High Court seeking justice. The SEC had refused to extend the nomination deadline, despite a court request to consider it.
The BJP candidates expressed disillusionment with the state administration, alleging that the police were aiding TMC workers and capturing BDO offices, leaving them with no place to file nominations. They feared reprisals and violence upon returning to their villages, feeling defeated by the system.
While the TMC rejected the BJP’s claims, citing a level playing field for the Opposition, the BJP Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, countered that their workers had faced the most attacks throughout the nomination process.
The BJP had filed a large number of nominations, but their candidates were obstructed by police at various BDO offices, providing an opportunity for TMC workers to unleash violence.
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There is a highly violent political environment in West Bengal, with allegations of violence and intimidation during the election process.
The failed attempts of filing election nominations, brutal attacks and violence in West Bengal raise concerns about the democratic process and the safety of opposition candidates. The matter is now expected to be taken up by the Calcutta High Court.
