‘This time, we will vote without fear’: Sandeshkhali goes to poll battle today

Once the heartland of the Tebhaga movement (1946-47) that saw peasants agitate for a bigger share of the agricultural output, the island of Sandeshkhali was a CPI(M) stronghold till about the 2010s. The CPI(M)-led Left Front government gave land pattas (titles) to its inhabitants, many of whom had migrated from East Bengal following the Partition, and enjoyed their unwavering support in return.

The BJP placed the Sandeshkhali events at the centre of its Bengal campaign, seeking to mount the pressure on the Mamata government. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

As early as 2009 though, the TMC dealt the CPI(M) defeat when Haji Nurul won Basirhat. After the Left’s defeat in the state to the TMC in 2011, the takeover by the ruling party was quick. By 2016, the TMC was the dominant force in the area, with the significant Muslim population its major vote bank.

Before the start of the Lok Sabha elections, Sandeshkhali hit the national headlines in January, after officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on their way to raid the house of Shahjahan Sheikh were attacked by a mob. Sheikh was wanted by the ED in connection with an alleged scam in the state’s ration distribution system.

For over a month after the January 5 incident, Central and state security agencies failed to arrest Shahjahan. Then, on February 8, women of Sandeshkhali took to the streets and blocked the road, demanding the immediate arrest of Shahjahan and two of his aides, Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar.

Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency in previous general elections.

The next day, the women protesters attacked properties belonging to Hazra and set fire to his poultry farm, claiming that it had been set up on a plot that the TMC leader had usurped by force. They also said that the poultry farm had become a centre of illicit activities, even as several women came out and alleged that Shahjahan and his henchmen had been sexually exploiting them for years.

As the women’s protest continued, Shahjahan was finally arrested by the West Bengal Police, with the CBI later taking his custody. Later, the CBI also arrested his brother Alamgir Sheikh, with another brother, Sirajuddin Sheikh, still an absconder.

The BJP placed the Sandeshkhali events at the centre of its Bengal campaign, seeking to mount the pressure on the Mamata government, which is facing ED scrutiny over several cases.

Patra drew initial support from villagers, who admitted suffering under the highhandedness of TMC local leaders. However, in a twist to the tale, closer to polling in Basirhat, a video emerged where BJP block president Gangadhar Kayal could be seen saying that they had “paid” Sandeshkhali women to file fake complaints against TMC leaders.

At Ground Zero, both parties are sticking to their narratives – with the BJP talking of alleged atrocities on women and the TMC’s corruption, and the ruling party saying that Kayal’s video had exposed that the Sandeshkhali claims were politically motivated.

Central forces patrol the Kalagachhia River,  which connects the Sandeshkhali village. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

What cuts through the two versions is one clear sentiment, as voiced by a 25-year-old e-rickshaw driver at Sandeshkhali ferry ghat. “This time, we are preparing to cast our votes without fear or threat. For the past six-seven years, we could not, with eyes following us, even into the EVM kiosk.”

The CPI(M)’s Nirapada Sardar echoed him, saying, “In the last 10 years, there was no democracy in Sandeshkhali or Basirhat, as TMC goons snatched land and money from the poor. This election, people will give their answer.”

While the BJP is confident that Rekha Patra is heading for victory, a fellow Sandeshkhali agitationist fears other hurdles may come in her way. “The popular sentiment is with Rekha as, like us, she was part of the movement from Day 1. But some local BJP supporters are jealous that she stole all the limelight,” said the 29-year-old.

Thrust into unexpected limelight, Rekha Patra told The Indian Express: “I’m not only a candidate, but a representative of all the women victims of the TMC’s atrocities in Sandeshkhali.”

Outwardly, the TMC, including Haji Nurul, says they are not worried about Sandeshkhali, one of the seven Assembly segments under the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat. Abdul Gaji, a TMC supporter in Minakhan, said, “The BJP could lead in Sandeshkhali and Hingalganj, where Hindu voters are in a majority, but the TMC will lead in Minakhan, Basirhat Uttar, Basirhat Dakshin, Haroa and Baduria. The CPI(M) will get some votes, but it won’t hurt us that much.”

Of the over 16 lakh voters in Basirhat, around 46% are Muslim and 32% SC-ST. The TMC is expecting to win on the back of consolidation of Muslim voters, while the BJP is hoping for Hindus to rally behind it.

But there is one more factor, said a TMC supporter, Pradipta Mallick, a resident of Sarberia. “The BJP is not calculating our Lakshmir Bhandar voters. Even a major portion of the Hindu women will vote for the TMC because they are beneficiaries of this scheme (of the Mamata government).”