THE State of West Bengal seems to be slipping into a mobocracy. The State Government led by Ms. Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister and President of Trinamool Congress (TMC), appears to be helpless in containing the incidents of mob unleashing violence. The latest incident of mob attack on the officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) comes as one more indication of the poor law and order situation in West Bengal. Though the State of West Bengal has had a long history of mob violence and even massacres, many people including the ordinary Bengalis expected the situation to improve when the TMC rose on the political horizon years ago. However, barring a little progress, the TMC rule has not changed much. May it be political violence during and after the elections, or vandalism in the educational institutions, or intolerance to criticism of leaders... the rule of mob is proving to be a blot on the culturally rich State. TMC has been locking horns against the Central Government.

 

One can understand political differences between different parties ruling the Centre and the State. However, the Chief Minister herself leading the sit-in to oppose the transfer of certain officers effected by the Centre, shocked the nation. Why would a political leader and her party want certain officers to be not transferred? That act aroused this question in the minds of ordinary citizens. But, it did not stop at that. The post-election violence against the rivals of TMC, distasteful acts of State Government against as high a constitutional authority as the Governor, and still adopting a ‘cry baby’ approach are damaging the political fortunes of TMC and also the prospects of growth and development of West Bengal. For quite some time, the Opposition parties have been levelling accusations of shielding corrupt elements against the ruling TMC. But, TMC appears to be least bothered, much to the disdain of some of its own leaders.

 

The latest incident of attack on ED officials by the supporters of TMC leader Mr. Sheikh Sajahan, considered to be a close aide of minister Mr. Jyotipriyo Mallick arrested in a multi-crore ration distribution scam, indicates how party cadres have been instigated to scuttle investigation against those facing allegations of corruption. The attack is a reminder of ugly political game being played by TMC to target Central agencies, and raises one more red flag about the State’s law and order. TMC does a lot of tall talk but takes a politically convenient stand for the sake of power. It has been pretty arrogant about it. Hence, it has often resorted to raising a hue and cry over crackdown by the Central agencies to hide own failure.

 

Congress, which is in Opposition in West Bengal, has sought imposition of President’s Rule in the State following the latest incident of mob attack on ED officials. Given the situation, common people feel that it may be the only way to contain lawlessness in West Bengal. Mr. C V Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal, has already hinted at exploring all ‘Constitutional options’ for appropriate action in appropriate manner. He has done a right thing. For, when mobocracy tries to dominate democracy, some Constitutional options are necessary to be exercised to restore sanctity of democratic values. Now, decisive action must be taken against mobocracy to restore the deserving glory of West Bengal.