Hooghly MP recounted two alleged incidents of sexual assault on women candidates during Bengal panchayat polls. She urged people to 'pay attention towards the daughters of Bengal too'.
With limitless political authority, unrestricted financial resources and muscle power, and complete control over the population, Bengal's panchayat polls have become a do or die battle.
The overdose of West Bengal panchayat poll violence reportage on local and national TV news has an element of orchestration behind it. And it suits the BJP and TMC.
Interestingly, the Opposition combine of the CPI(M) and the Congress, which drew a blank in 2021 state polls, have done well in certain districts which have a sizable Muslim population.
Though it came a distant second to TMC, the party improved on its 2018 performance, but has lost support in its strongholds of north Bengal and tribal seats in Jangal Mahal area.
BSF claims State Election Commission didn't respond to its letters seeking details of sensitive booths. Poll body refutes this claims, says it recorded its communication with the BSF.
While TMC says it suffered 60% casualties, its unofficial figure stood at 8. BJP, CPIM, Congress and ISF claim they lost one party worker each. SEC says 3 deaths reported directly.
The collusion between the new class of bureaucrats, politicians, businessmen and trade union bosses perpetuates itself partly because of the short-run benefits and partly because they see no way out of the system, wrote author MH Mody in 1980.
IAF is firming up plans to revamp airlift capabilities with medium transport aircraft that will be assembled in India & serve as its main workhorse. Embraer is leading contender as of now.
COMMENTS