In West Bengal, election-related violence is a persistent issue, with the recent efforts by the Election Commission to enhance security and manage potential unrest ahead of the assembly elections.
Election-related violence in West Bengal has become a recurrent phenomenon that surfaces during and after elections, despite changes in political leadership. The same elements perpetrating violence often shift their political loyalties, raising concerns about whether any real change in the cycle of violence is achievable. In response, the Election Commission is taking precautionary measures to curb violence and ensure that situations can be brought under control promptly as elections approach.
As part of recent initiatives, a Special Intensive Review (SIR) is being implemented to reinforce security measures ahead of the assembly elections. This includes a thorough cleaning up of the voter lists and significant deployment of security forces in areas identified as sensitive to election violence. Reports indicate that preparations for these measures are nearly complete, with only the announcement of specific election dates pending.
The Election Commission has directed the West Bengal police and administration to swiftly complete the identification of sensitive areas, aiming for this task to be finished by the second week of March if feasible. Such measures highlight the Commission's commitment to mitigating violence and fostering a more secure electoral process, although the question remains whether these precautions will effectively break the cycle of violence endemic to West Bengal elections.
