West Bengal Panchayat Elections: Ensuring Fairness Amidst Rising Tensions

The upcoming Panchayat elections in West Bengal have been marred by incidents of violence, raising concerns about the safety and fairness of the electoral process. Unidentified miscreants have allegedly targeted opposition candidates during their journey to file nomination papers, leading to clashes in several districts. In response to the escalating tensions, the State Election Commission (SEC) has called for an all-party meeting to address the prevailing law and order situation and listen to the grievances related to the elections. With the imposition of Section 144, the authorities aim to maintain peace and prevent further untoward incidents.

Violence and Clashes:

Several districts in West Bengal, including Daspur, Kakdwip, Raninagar, Saktinagar, Barshul, and Minakhan, witnessed incidents of violence perpetrated by unidentified miscreants. Tragically, a Congress worker lost his life in Murshidabad when he and two others were shot by assailants at Ratanpur Naldip. This incident was labeled as a "murder" by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) by the Congress West Bengal chief. Reports suggest that CPI(M) candidates in Barsul and Minakhan were also attacked and prevented from filing their nomination papers, allegedly by members of the ruling party. The clash between the two groups resulted in injuries to three policemen, and the Rapid Action Force (RAF)

had to intervene to restore order. Similar instances were reported in other districts, such as Jamuria and Bhangar-II block, where opposition candidates were allegedly prevented from filing nominations.

Imposition of Section 144:

In response to the escalating violence, the SEC has instructed district magistrates and superintendents of police to impose Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC) within a 1-kilometer radius of all nomination centers. This move aims to restrict public gatherings and maintain law and order. The SEC has further stipulated that only two persons can enter a nomination center at a time for filing papers. These prohibitory orders will remain in force until June 15, with the objective of creating a safe and secure environment for the candidates and voters alike.

Legal Proceedings:

Petitions have been filed in the Calcutta High Court, highlighting the violence faced by candidates during the nomination process. The court has sought the SEC's opinion on the possibility of postponing the West Bengal Panchayat Elections to facilitate the smooth filing of nominations. In response, the SEC has expressed its willingness to extend the nomination deadline by one day to June 16. The state election commissioner previously announced that the elections would be conducted in a single phase, with candidates

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to file their nominations from a designated timeframe.

Political Allegations and Concerns:

Amidst the tense atmosphere, political parties have exchanged allegations and voiced concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. The ruling TMC has accused the opposition parties of colluding to delay the elections, suggesting fear of defeat as the motive behind their actions. Conversely, the BJP, Congress, and CPI(M) have alleged that TMC activists have obstructed their candidates from submitting nomination papers in various districts. They emphasize the need for the deployment of central forces to ensure a peaceful and fair election and maintain law and order, citing the necessity of central forces' presence.

FAQs:

Q: What is a panchayat election?
Panchayat elections are held to elect the members of the gram panchayats in Indian villages. These elections provide a democratic process for the selection of representatives who will govern and make decisions at the village level.

Q: When were panchayats established in West Bengal?
The first general election for the Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, and Gram Panchayats in West Bengal was held in June 1978, following the enactment of the West Bengal Panchayat Act in 1973.

Q: When was the West Bengal Panchayat Act amended?
The West Bengal Panchayat Act was amended by

the West Bengal Panchayat (Amendment) Act, 1983 (West Bengal Act II of 1983). The exact date of the amendment is not mentioned.

Q: How many gram panchayats are there in West Bengal in 2023?
As of the progress report until March 2023, there are 3,342 gram panchayats in West Bengal.

Q: What is the 4-tier panchayat system in West Bengal?
The 4-tier panchayat system in West Bengal includes the Gram Panchayat, Anchal Panchayat, Anchalik Parishad, and Zila Parishad. This structure was inaugurated on 2nd October 1964.

Q: How many tiers are there in the Panchayati Raj system in West Bengal?
The Panchayati Raj system in West Bengal consists of a three-tier structure. It includes the Zilla Parishad at the district level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Gram Panchayat at the supra-village level.

Q: What is the 3-tier panchayat system?
The 3-tier Panchayati Raj system consists of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad. The Gram Panchayat is directly elected, while the Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad members are indirectly elected.

Q: Who is the head of the Panchayat?
The members of the Gram Sabha elect a Sarpanch who serves as the president of the Panchayat. The Sarpanch, along with the ward Panchs, forms the Gram Panchayat.