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Let's talk about a credible threat to Indian democracy
There's never a break in Indian politics. However, what's been happening as a routine in Bengal needs a break and an immediate one at that.
Political violence In Bengal: Far from something to be ashamed of, many are now openly flaunting their violent acts against the opposition.
Dumping of garbage outside BJP voters' buildings is the least harmful thing meted out to opposition.
TMC leaders have been proudly brandishing their acts on social media rather than being clandestine about it.
There are now 'refugee camps' for opposition workers: Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has revealed that several of his cadre are now in 'safe houses'
It began with mandate denial: TMC boycotted Prime Minister Modi’s oath-taking ceremony saying that they refuse to acknowledge his mandate to rule.
Even news media that is largely friendly towards TMC has reported attacks against opposition.
Reminder 1: 2023 West Bengal Panchayat elections saw 40 people killed!
Reminder 2: BJP (240) has more seats than INDI alliance combined (234)
Reminder 3: Violence is probably still under control unlike 2023 because CRPF is deployed until June 19th!
Not to mention an even lower tally of 145 seats for INC in 2004
INC's 2004 score was only 7 more than BJP’s 138
Jinhe naaz hain Hind par: India's op-ed warriors and democracy champions are guilty of abetting TMC's mandate denial.
Despite unrelenting attacks on opposition, the op-edry industry has chosen to look the other way.
Less said about pretentious pundits spewing extra-complex vocabulary in mere 900 word pieces the better.
Bottom line: Even the TV studios are quiet - that's how much we've taken the political violence and mandate denial for granted.
It's extremely unhealthy and must be called out.
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Amar Govindarajan & Anmol Jain
