Turning arrogant, main West Bengal political parties facilitating communal division

By Harasankar Adhikari
West Bengal, a state in eastern India, is historically, socially, and culturally an example of ‘unity in diversity.' Here, people regardless of their so-called identity live together, and all of them participate enthusiastically in the great autumn festival, ‘Durga Puja’ (popularly known as ‘Sharad Utsab’. Historically, ‘Shree Chaitnya’ started his movement for social and cultural integration to remove the darkness of extremism in racial dominance. Further, ‘Sri Ramkrishna’ and his great disciple, ‘Swami Vivekanand’ preached and worked for the coordination and integration of all religions under one umbrella because there is no difference among various religious faiths. Later on, Sri Rabindranath Tagore worked and warned about the dangerous evils of communal disharmony under the banner of religious differences. After independence, left-wing parties rule for 34 years significantly grounded it through democratic decentralisation of power at the grassroots.
But since 2011, this state has been in a crucial stage of communal division, and the state administration is sponsoring it for the very purpose of political gain. And the chief of the state is involved in promoting this evil division.
Labour statistics remind us that the majority of construction workers, dressmakers, and leather workers are from the Muslim community, and labourers from the Hindu community used to work under their supervision. In this state, the Muslim population is twice (28%) that of the rest of India (14%) (Census Report of India, 2011).
During the left's rule, there was no special, unwanted benefit showered on this minority Muslim population. They only used to take advantage of the same benefits as other underprivileged groups. There was no religious bias or favouritism. Due to poverty, illiteracy, and unplanned families, a significant section of this Muslim community engages in different indulgences. It has been observed that Muslim voters have a significant role in the elected democracy of this state.
At the end of the left's rule in 2011, the right wing (TMC and its allies) formed the government, and from the very beginning of the journey of this government, it was involved in religious favouritism. Many times, it was deliberate, with a clear intention to win the mind of the Muslim. The chief of this government (leader of the right-wing party) started to channelize without any opinion of this particular community, whether they needed any favour or dole. It gradually starts to promote communal difference and division. A peaceful state starts to witness communal conflict. There are many unnecessary benefits the government opens up for Muslims. For example, Muslim bikers do not need to wear a helmet, while others do. A special allowance to the ‘Moulabi’ (priest) is another. Politically, the members of this community are abused to organise tension and hooliganism. And the police are indifferent to arresting them because they have no order from higher authority. Therefore, it is very clear that the chief of state has taken it as a diplomatic strategy of politico-religious battle.
After an unexpected result in the poll in 2021, the chief of the state as well as the chief of the right-wing party have become arrogant and adamant about facilitating the communal division among the people of this state. She declared, ‘I would participate in "Iftahar" more and more.' But it is a personal choice for everyone. She reacted and publicised the chant ‘Jay Shree Rama’, and it is evident of a foolish deed by an administration. It is also enough to cultivate communal differences among others. Recently, the incidents of communal conflicts on the eve of ‘Rama Navami’ were nothing but a deliberate act of the ruling political party.
It might be concluded that the situation in this state reminds us of the incident of the ‘Great Calcutta Killing’ and it is under the connivance of the chief of the state as well as the chief of a right-wing party. There is a need for a joint movement of Hindus and Muslims against this, considering the history of peace in the state.

Comments

Hyderabad protest demands end to Operation Kagar as senior Maoist leaders killed in encounter

By Harsh Thakor* A protest was held on June 17 at Indira Park in Hyderabad by the Shanti Charchala Committee, calling for an end to Operation Kagar and the start of peace talks with Maoist groups. The event brought together representatives from several political parties and civil society organizations. Among those who addressed the gathering were CPI (ML) New Democracy Central Committee member Vemulapalli Venkatramayya, along with leaders from the Congress, BRS, CPI, CPM, Telangana Janasamithi, MCPI, SUCI, CPI ML, RSP, and VCK. The programme also featured performances by cultural groups such as CLC, HRF, TVV, Arunodaya, Praja Kala Mandali, and Praja Natya Mandali. Public figures including actors Narayana Murthy and Tudundebba Upendar and academics like Professor Anver Khan and Professor Vinayaka Reddy participated as speakers.

Food security crisis persists in Gujarat despite NFSA: Survey reveals grim ground reality

By A Representative A new field-based survey conducted in January 2025 across Dahod, Panchmahals, Morbi, and Bhavnagar districts has revealed alarming levels of food insecurity among vulnerable communities in Gujarat, ten years after the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Conducted by Anandi – Area Networking and Development Initiatives (ASAA) and community organisations working with mahila sangathans, the Gujarat Food Security Survey covered 1,261 households, purposively chosen to reflect the experiences of marginalised populations including Adivasis, OBCs, single women, the disabled, and the elderly. The findings suggest that despite the promises of NFSA and wide coverage under the Public Distribution System (PDS), food deprivation remains widespread and systemic failures continue to exclude the most vulnerable.

Land under siege: A silent crisis, desertification is threatening India’s future

By Raj Kumar Sinha* Desertification is emerging as one of the gravest environmental challenges of our time. Marked annually on June 17, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought reminds us that the fate of our planet’s land—and the billions who depend on it—is hanging in the balance.

Victim to cricketing politics, Alvin Kalicharan was a most organized left handed batsman

By Harsh Thakor* On March 21st Alvin Kalicharan celebrates his 75th birthday. Sadly, his exploits have been forgotten or overlooked. Arguably no left handed batsman was technically sounder or more organized than this little man. Kalicharan was classed as a left-handed version of Rohan Kanhai. Possibly no left-handed batsmen to such a degree blend technical perfection with artistry and power.

Central London discussion to spotlight LGBTQ+ ex-Muslim rights and persecution

By A Representative On June 13, 2025, the Dissident Club in Central London will host a public discussion to mark the 18th anniversary of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) and to commemorate World Refugee Day. The event, scheduled from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, will feature speakers Ali Malik, Maryam Namazie, and Taha Siddiqui, who are expected to address the intersecting challenges faced by LGBTQ+ ex-Muslims globally.

Better halves lead the way as organic farmers, entrepreneurs and social reformers

By Bharat Dogra Two major challenges continue to limit the full participation of rural women in development. First, their crucial roles, potential, and capabilities often remain underrecognized. Second, even when women are encouraged to take on broader responsibilities, the overarching development models may not align with their needs or perspectives and may even appear counterproductive. Under such conditions, it is unrealistic to expect women to engage as enthusiastic and creative participants.

Lepa Radić: A symbol of defiance and resistance, of fight against oppression

By Harsh Thakor* December 29th marks the centenary of the birth of Lepa Radić, a Yugoslav Partisan whose courage during World War II continues to resonate through history. Born on December 19, 1925, in the village of Gašnica in what is now Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lepa Radić was only 15 when the Axis powers invaded Yugoslavia in April 1941. In response to the occupation, she joined the Partisan resistance, eventually becoming one of its most revered figures. At the age of 17, she was executed by the Nazis for her involvement, refusing until her death to betray her comrades.

Hope from the Amazon: Land rights, indigenous voices, and the winds of change in Latin America

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* After several days of travel and digital silence, I returned from a rare and deeply moving journey into the Amazon region of Colombia. It was not just another field trip, but an opportunity to witness the pulse of Latin America’s land rights movement, firsthand.

Top agricultural scientists raise alarm over premature genome-edited rice release, write to PM

By A Representative A group of prominent agricultural scientists has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing serious concern over the recent announcement of genome-edited (GEd) rice lines by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), calling it premature and potentially harmful to India’s agricultural sovereignty and seed sector.

Search This Blog