Mamata Banerjee’s West Bengal is reeling under an orgy of political violence. Violent clashes have taken place in and around Kolkata, obviously between members of the ruling Trinamul Congress and the opposition CPI (M). Lawlessness prevails with the ruling party promoting murder and mayhem. Rape has become a household word in Kolkata and the districts. 70 year old CPI (M) leader Rezzak Mollah was allegedly thrashed an injured by Arabul Islam, a local Trinamul leader. Later supporters of the two parties fought each other with guns and bombs. At least 40 people were injured and a large number of vehicles were set on fire. Trinamul ministers Partha Chatterjee and Madan Mitra aggravated the tension by praising Islam. Madan Mitra made the thoughtless remark that with Mamata Banerjee’s permission, his party could erase the CPI (M) in five minutes.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee decided to keep mum which may be regarded as her approval of the danse macabre. Governor M. K. Narayan has said however that it is the responsibility of the administration to maintain law and order. Mamata Banerjee’s claim that her party in power will bring about all round development of the state has proved hollow. Even ruling for over a year, her party has achieved little on any front. The intellectuals who supported her move for change have turned away from her, notably poet Shankha Ghosh who received Padmabhushan last year. Rallies and counter-rallies are disturbing peace day after day. Mamata must promptly condemn violence instead of allowing cabinet members to criticize the Governor. It is encouraging that non-bailable charges have been lodged against Arabul Islam. But the bitter discord between the Governor and Trinamul ministers continues.
