Political Tensions Flare Across West Bengal Over Form 7 Submission
West Bengal witnessed continued political unrest on Tuesday as workers from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engaged in confrontations over the submission of Form 7 across multiple districts. The situation escalated with road blockades and protests, creating significant tension in various regions of the state.
Violence Prompts TMC Appeal for Calm
The escalating violence prompted Trinamool Congress to issue a public appeal urging citizens not to be "provoked" into further confrontation. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh addressed the situation, stating, "The anger and frustration is understandable. But the fight has to be fought in courtrooms and on EVMs. CM Mamata Banerjee is fighting for you. Do not fall for provocation." This statement came amid growing concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation.
Opposition Accuses TMC of Creating Anarchy
Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, launched a sharp criticism against the ruling party on Tuesday. He accused Trinamool Congress of unleashing "statewide anarchy" specifically to derail the Summary Revision (SIR) exercise, which includes the Form 7 submission process for voter list corrections.
Hooghly District: Ground Zero for Confrontations
In Mogra, Hooghly district, BJP workers took to blocking GT Road, demanding they be allowed to submit Form 7 in the presence of central security forces. This protest followed an incident the previous day when tension erupted inside the Block Development Officer (BDO) office at Mogra. According to reports, Trinamool workers allegedly chased away BJP supporters who had arrived with nearly 2,000 forms for submission.
The BJP further alleged that TMC's zilla parishad member Manas Majumdar entered the BDO office with his aides and intimidated the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) present. However, Trinamool Congress has categorically denied these charges, creating conflicting narratives about what transpired.
Trinamool workers also staged their own demonstrations in the Chinsurah Assembly constituency area, blocking roads at Alinagar, Rajhat, and Polba. These protests came after Monday's incident where TMC's Chinsurah MLA Asit Majumdar, accompanied by party workers, allegedly prevented BJP workers from submitting their forms. The BJP claimed that forms were destroyed during the ensuing scuffle.
Bankura District: Allegations of Administrative Non-Cooperation
Tension spread to Bankura district as well, where BJP workers leveled serious allegations against the district administration. They claimed they faced deliberate non-cooperation and were not permitted to submit Form 7 despite waiting outside the sub-divisional office throughout the entire night. This alleged obstruction has added fuel to the political fire in the region.
Howrah Incident: Forms Allegedly Destroyed
In Howrah district, the conflict took another turn as Trinamool workers allegedly snatched Form 7 documents from BJP workers and destroyed them. While clashes erupted between the political groups, police intervention was necessary to bring the situation under control. Later that night, Trinamool workers staged protests of their own, alleging that names of genuine voters were being improperly deleted from electoral rolls.
The ongoing political standoff over Form 7 submission has created a volatile atmosphere across West Bengal, with both major political parties trading accusations while ordinary citizens find themselves caught in the middle of these electoral battles. The situation remains tense as the voter list revision process continues amid these protests and allegations.
