Bengal’s Political Violence: A Dangerous Assault on Democracy and Social Harmony
Lalit Gargg
The violence, killings, arson, and political vendetta witnessed in West Bengal following the recently concluded Assembly elections have not only disturbed the peace of the state but have also deeply wounded the spirit of Indian democracy. Elections are considered a festival of democracy, but when this festival turns into violence, fear, and revenge, it reflects not merely political failure but also social and moral decay. The recent incidents in Bengal highlight this disturbing reality. Except for a few isolated incidents during polling, the elections were conducted in a relatively peaceful manner. However, after the declaration of results, the aggressive clashes between supporters of political parties made it evident that political competition is increasingly transforming from an ideological contest into a battle of retaliation and dominance. Violent confrontations between workers of the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, several deaths, and especially the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close associate of Suvendu Adhikari, made the situation even more alarming. A blame game immediately followed, but the most important question remains: why should violence have any place in a democracy?
It is deeply ironic that India, which gave the world the message of non-violence, compassion, and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world as one family — is today witnessing its image tarnished by political violence. Mahatma Gandhi had connected politics with morality and service, but today politics is increasingly becoming a medium of power, revenge, and intimidation. The violence in Bengal is a frightening example of this disease. The political history of West Bengal has never been free from violence. From the long era of Left rule to the tenure of the Trinamool Congress, political conflicts have repeatedly taken bloody forms. Booth capturing, intimidating opponents, and political patronage of local strongmen and criminal elements have long been bitter realities of Bengal’s politics. Governments changed, but the political culture failed to undergo meaningful transformation. As a result, violence erupts even after elections, forcing ordinary citizens to live amidst fear and insecurity.
In reality, when politics shifts away from ideology and public service and becomes merely a tool for acquiring power, violence becomes its natural consequence. Refusing to accept defeat with democratic humility and instead turning to retaliation is an insult to democratic values. This explains why violent incidents occurred despite clear directives from the Election Commission and restrictions on victory processions. This is not merely an administrative failure but also a moral failure of political parties. Whether it is Mamata Banerjee questioning the election results and intensifying political confrontation, or the BJP responding aggressively, both sides need introspection. In a democracy, both the ruling party and the opposition have the responsibility to convey messages of peace and restraint to the people. Unfortunately, political parties often inflame the emotions of their workers instead of controlling them. Consequently, violence is increasingly becoming normalized in political behavior.
The greatest tragedy is that ordinary people always pay the price for political violence. Those whose homes are burned, whose family members are killed, and whose small businesses are destroyed often have no direct connection with politics. They become victims of a violent mindset that places power above humanity. A serious question must be asked: why do political parties resort to violence when history clearly shows that violence never provides a permanent solution? Violence only breeds fear, distrust, and revenge. Political parties that adopt violence as a weapon eventually lose their moral legitimacy in the eyes of the public. Politics should unite society, not divide it.
Today, India is entering a new global era. The world sees India as an emerging economic power, a technological giant, and a democratic model. As India approaches the centenary of its independence in 2047, our goal should not merely be economic progress, but also the creation of a civilized and ethical nation where politics is based on non-violence, dialogue, and sensitivity. If political parties continue to use hatred, communalism, and violence as political tools, the dream of a developed India will remain incomplete. India’s greatest strength has always been its civilizational consciousness. Gautama Buddha gave the message of compassion, Mahavira declared non-violence as the highest principle of life, and Mahatma Gandhi challenged an empire through truth and non-violence. This is the same India that taught the world that humanity’s greatest strength lies in love and coexistence. Yet today, political selfishness and non-political criminal elements are damaging the nation’s image. Individuals with criminal mindsets obtain political protection and weaken democracy. They frequently change parties, but their only objective remains power and self-interest. The recent incidents in Bengal cannot be separated from the influence of such elements.
The solution lies not merely in administrative strictness, but in transforming political culture itself. First, all political parties must publicly condemn violence and clearly instruct their workers to maintain restraint. Both the ruling party and the opposition must understand that democracy is not about hostility, but coexistence. Second, a policy of zero tolerance toward lawlessness must be adopted. Unbiased action should be taken against troublemakers irrespective of their political affiliation. The police and administration must remain free from political pressure, and vigilant monitoring should be strengthened in sensitive areas. Third, strict control over the criminalization of politics is essential. Individuals with violent and criminal backgrounds should not be allowed entry into political parties. Political organizations must cultivate internal moral discipline. Fourth, society must promote democratic education and sensitivity. Schools, universities, and social institutions should strengthen the values of dialogue, tolerance, and non-violence. Unless society itself rejects violence, political violence cannot truly end.
The recent violence in Bengal is not merely a state issue; it is a serious warning for Indian democracy. If politics is not redirected toward healthy democratic values in time, hatred and violence will continue to weaken the foundations of democracy. Today, India must rediscover its soul. This country is not a land of war and revenge, but of peace, coexistence, and universal brotherhood. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is not merely a slogan; it is the foundational philosophy of Indian civilization. If politics distances itself from this philosophy, democracy will be reduced to nothing more than a struggle for power. West Bengal must now move beyond the politics of violence and retaliation and focus on development, education, employment, and social harmony. That alone upholds the dignity of democracy, fulfills the expectations of the people, and paves the way toward a developed India.
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