KOLKATA: An unprecedented procession by ruling Trinamool Congress workers brandishing fire arms and dancing on Monday in West Bengal created a sensation in political circles, with the Opposition alleging there has been a breakdown of the law and order machinery.
A large number of TMC workers in a procession at Kandi in Murshidabad district danced to popular numbers brandishing 9mm pistols. They were going to attend a public meeting of TMC Lok Sabha MP Suvendu Adhikary, whom Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had deputed to strengthen the youth wing in West Bengal. Four youths in the procession with TMC flags and loud speakers could be seen dancing in enthusiasm with 9mm pistols in their hands. The police watched the procession and video-recorded it but remained mute spectators instead of arresting them.
Never before has any procession with fire arms been seen in the state, which is infamous for political violence, and as such political parties and members of civil society severly condemned it. They alleged there was no rule of law in the state and that ordinary citizens lived in fear. CPI(M) politburo member and Lok Sabha MP Mohammad Salim remarked, “This is not unexpected from TMC whose supremo Mamata Banerjee had once claimed publicly that she controlled the goondas. It is a party of thieves, burglars, debauch, bootleggers and smugglers. Small arms are being smuggled across the border by TMC-patronised men and finding way to the thriving market in the state. The police are TMC slaves and will not take any action. The people need to organise mass protests against such goons trying to dominate politics.”
Union MoS for Urban Development Babul Supriyo expressed apprehension saying, “This is nothing but naked display of brute power by the TMC. For the past few years they have been playing with fire. Police are their serfs and this indicates the kind of violence that will be unleashed during the civic polls next month.”
State Congress president and Lok Sabha MP from Baharmpur in the same district Adhir Chowdhury strongly condemned Mamata and said, “Mushidabad being a Congress stronghold is a thorn in Mamata’s throat. She wants to capture it at any cost.”