Bengal unrest: An eye-opening story

Bengal post-poll violence lashed the state on Monday, 3rd May,2021 as rival political employees clashed, party offices were torched and houses were ransacked, leading to the deaths of many people and prompting the Union home ministry and state governor to hunt reports.

Allegations and claims brought up by the parties:

The BJP informed that they’ll hold a nationwide dharna against the violence which they claimed killed 9 employees 5th May, the same day Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee is anticipated to take oath as chief minister for the third time. Party president JP Nadda is to visit the state on weekday to satisfy employees.

TMC rejected the claims and Mamata Banerjee appealed for peace across the state. The BJP said many party offices and homes of its employees were looted across the state since Sunday evening, once TMC emerged victorious within the assembly elections. Party employees shared videos of alleged fire-raising at BJP party offices with bamboo poles and roof tiles burning.

“At least 9 persons are killed within the last twenty-four hours. Many hundreds of homes are looted. Reports of violence were running in from all the places. We’ve got shared video clippings,” informed Dilip Ghosh, BJP’s state unit chief.

TMC, that won 213 seats against BJP’s 77, informed that 2 of their staffs were killed by BJP members. Mamata Banerjee said BJP was spreading lies, and victimization previous photos of riots outside Bengal. “We recognize that the BJP and central forces had tortured people which lead to the political heat to shot up. However even then, I might urge all to take care of peace and to not resort to violence. If there are any allegations, approach the police. Until we tend to take oath, law and order isn’t in our hand. I’m not vindictive. However, despite the defeat BJP still keeps on torturing individuals,” informed Mamata Banerjee.

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The aftermath:

The Bengal governor, Jagdeep Dhankhar was promoted to summon the state’s director general of police due the rapid increase in violence. “Perturbed and upset at many reports of violence, fire-raising and killings from numerous elements of state. Party offices, homes & retailers being attacked. Scenario is terrible. Prompt action necessitated @HomeBengal @WBPolice @CPKolkata Have given @MamataOfficial for immediate action,” Dhankhar tweeted.

The Union Home Ministry conjointly said it sought a report from the West Bengal government. “MHA has asked West Bengal government for a report on the post-election violence targeting opposition political employees within the state,” the ministry tweeted. “The BJP has proclaimed a nationwide dharna on 5th May against the widespread violence unleashed by TMC employees post election results in West Bengal…,” the party tweeted.

BJP said a worker’s mother was killed in Jagaddal once she tried to protect her son from TMC goons. Another BJP employee was killed in east Kolkata. At Ranaghat, a BJP supporter was  reported to be killed. In Sonarpur, a BJP worker died due to regional grudge. At least 3 people were killed and around 5 were slashed in an exceeding clash between BJP and TMC employees in East Burdwan.

Role of media in fueling the fire:

Fake News and Communal Incitement added fuel to Post-Poll heat in West Bengal. While all the opposition parties claim that their cadres are attacked by TMC staff, the BJP has unleashed a social media storm of dishonorable posts, subjective photos and inflammatory rumour.

In the past 48 hours, social media platforms are filled with footage and videos of the post-poll violence in province. Over 14 have reported to be killed while the political parties within the state together with the TMC have claimed that their cadres are attacked. Although the Left and Congress party members have additionally alleged retributive violence against their cadres by employees of the victorious TMC, the BJP is urgently making an attempt to communalize this political violence by blaming it on Muslims and ‘infiltrators’.

Several BJP supporters, leaders and pro-BJP journalists are sharing dishonest posts, subjective footage and inflammatory rumour with a communal slant. There’s a stark distinction between the reactions of the BJP leaders and also the leaders of the opposite parties.

There is little question that this can worsen the violence and trigger communal riots within the state. West Bengal having a bloody history of post-poll violence, that in no circumstances can be justified or defended in a very civilized society. In such a tense scenario, unrestrained faux news mixed with communal incitement and Islamophobic information by the BJP and its supporters can solely add fuel to the fire.

Contact the Author: Meghma Sarkar