In Canning, Governor flags ‘deterioration of democracy in some parts’

Earlier in the day, Bose summoned State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha to the Raj Bhavan to get an update on the law and order situation. Sinha however, skipped the meeting and said he would meet the Governor some other day as he was busy scrutinising nomination papers.

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West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose in South 24 Parganas on Saturday. PTI

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WEST BENGAL Governor C V Ananda Bose on Saturday visited Canning in South 24 Parganas district and expressed his displeasure at the “deterioration of democracy” in certain areas of the state. The visit from the Governor came a day after he went to violence-hit Bhangar area of the same district where two persons were killed in

a clash.

After reaching Canning in the evening, Bose interacted with local residents over the violence witnessed for the past few days during filing of nominations for July 8 panchayat polls. Bose also held a meeting with the government and police officers of the district to take stock of the situation.

Speaking to mediapersons, Bose said, “I have heard with my own ears the tales of woe that were narrated to me by the victims. I am deeply distressed that a section of misguided political elements consider human lives as fallen leaves to be cornered and trashed. This is not an acceptable situation. A common man has the right to exercise franchise without fear or favour. I find a lack of confidence among them. Intimidation, strong-arm tactics, flexing the muscles- these are all reported here. This goes against the basic tenet of democracy. Mobocracy seems to be taking over democracy. This does not bring credit to anyone down the line.”

The Governor added, “Unfortunately, in certain parts of the state I have witnessed deterioration of democracy. But I want to tell the people that there is no scope for fear in democracy. I am with the people of the state. I will not tolerate atrocities, intimidation or violence.”

Six persons have been killed in political violence since the panchayat election notification was issued. Coming down heavily on the administration for failing to combat the violence, Bose said, “As Governor, I have a commitment not only to the Constitution of India but also to those who framed the Constitution. Therefore, a Governor is supposed to be the custodian of the Constitution and also defend the rights of the common man. Whenever there is an encroachment on any of these, I will certainly defend it with all might.”

The Governor’s visit came hours after BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar met him at Raj Bhavan in Kolkata and apprised him of the “deteriorating” law and order situation in West Bengal, especially during filing of nomination papers. “I am here, determined to stand by the people and to see that their right of a free and fair election is guaranteed in letter and spirit,” he said.

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Bose also took a dig at the state government and the State Election Commission over their stand on the Calcutta High Court’s order to deploy central forces throughout the state for the panchayat polls. “The honorable Calcutta High Court has given a verdict. It speaks in unequivocal terms certain steps to be taken to ensure that election is free and fair. These have to be achieved at any cost,” Bose said.

Earlier in the day, Bose summoned State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha to the Raj Bhavan to get an update on the law and order situation. Sinha however, skipped the meeting and said he would meet the Governor some other day as he was busy scrutinising nomination papers.

Meanwhile, the ruling Trinamool Congress hit out at the Governor for making back-to-back visits to violence-hit areas. The party’s state general secretary, Kunal Ghosh said, “Is the Governor a political agent? He did not visit the area when the horrific train accident took place at Balasore. He does not make spot visits when anyone from Trinamool Congress is killed. The Opposition is intentionally creating unrest in the state to get political mileage. But the Governor is playing the role of a BJP cadre and adding fuel to the false allegations levelled by the Left Front, Congress and BJP.”