BJP Alleges TMC Instigated Mob Gherao of Judicial Officers in Malda
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday leveled serious accusations against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), claiming it orchestrated a mob that gheraoed seven judicial officers for several hours in Malda district. This incident occurred during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following the deletion of names from the voters list.
Security Forces Intervene to Rescue Officers
Security forces intervened late on Wednesday night, using batons to disperse the crowd and successfully rescue the judicial officers, including three women. The protesters, who alleged large-scale removal of voter names during the SIR process, also blocked National Highway 12 (Kolkata–Siliguri) on Wednesday, causing significant disruption.
The judicial officers were stationed at the Kaliachak 2 Block Development Office when the protesters surrounded the building around 4 pm. A substantial security contingent managed to rescue them after midnight, following a tense standoff.
BJP Spokesperson's Allegations
BJP state spokesperson Debajit Sarkar stated, "Afraid of losing the elections following the deletion of names of bogus voters, the TMC has mobilised jihadi elements in the district and orchestrated this unconstitutional, illegal agitation, keeping judicial officers, magistrates, including women confined in the extreme heat, humid conditions for hours." He further alleged that discrepancies in the electoral roll and uncertainty over name inclusions in the supplementary list were due to the "deliberate slow uploading of data as the state did not employ adequate number of officials."
Sarkar added that a section of the administration still sides with the corrupt, undemocratic regime but should now cease partisan activities. "They (some police and government officials) must understand that when the EC has taken every step to ensure not a single bogus elector can cast votes, the old practice should not click any more," he emphasized.
TMC's Response and Concerns
TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh responded, "The EC is now monitoring everything - the administration and police. They must explain why such a thing occurred. Why were judicial officials gheraoed by aggrieved villagers for so many hours? We never support any move to take the law into one's hands."
Ghosh highlighted that the TMC had repeatedly raised concerns over the deletion of lakhs of voter names during the SIR, with Malda topping the list. The party had drawn the Election Commission’s attention to the issue, but the poll panel reportedly did not act. He noted that the Kaliachak incident reflected public anger and frustration, though the TMC does not endorse such protest methods.
Details of the Rescue Operation
During the rescue operation, judicial officials were eventually brought out of the Block Development Office. Protesters attempted to block their vehicles by placing bamboo poles on the road and tried to vandalise the cars. Police used batons to disperse the crowd, ensuring the officers' safe evacuation.
Background on Electoral Roll Revision
Under Supreme Court directions, the judicial officers are examining cases of voters whose names were marked "under adjudication" in the electoral rolls published on February 28. Their task is to determine whether these names should be retained or deleted, a critical process ahead of the elections.
Officials revealed that the protesters had initially requested a meeting with the judicial officers. When entry was denied, they staged a demonstration and gheraoed the premises, escalating the situation.
Upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly are scheduled in two phases on April 23 and 29, with votes set to be counted on May 4. This incident underscores the heightened political tensions and controversies surrounding the electoral process in the state.
