West Bengal now a lab for political violence: BJP leader B L Santhosh
Bengaluru, May 21: Alleging that there is no right to make a political free choice or to exercise one's democratic preferences in West Bengal, BJP national general Secretary (Organisation) B L Santhosh on Friday called the Chief Minister of that State Mamata Banerjee "a threat to democracy".
He said the eastern State that had to become a laboratory for democracy has become a laboratory for political violence.
Santhosh alleged that Muslims who have come from Bangladesh illegally and have become leaders in the ruling TMC are playing a huge role in the post-poll violence in West Bengal.
"A total of 26 of our workers have been killed so far (in post-poll violence), including women. There are also instances of damage to properties, atrocities and threat to life, there is a fear to come out and file a complaint as police are inactive, we thought Mamata Banerjee's statement "Khela Hobe' (game is on) as call for political game, but did not realise it was about political violence," Santhosh said.
"TMC and its supremo's politics, their conduct is dangerous to democracy. Mamata Banerjee is a threat to democracy," he said.
Speaking on the topic "Bengal After Elections" virtually, he said everyone would have to work towards getting justice to those affected by violence, make culprits face justice and rebuild the lives of about 12,000 families or 40,000 people in that State.
"There is no right to political free choice, right to exercise one's democratic preferences, right to pursue one's political belief and conviction, right to resort to legitimate political activities in West Bengal today under TMC and Mamata Banerjee's rule," he said.
There is a need to set things right and take West Bengal on the path of development and nationalistic thoughts, he said, adding that "we will have to get justice for Hindu refugees and show the way for illegal entrants, bring in CAA and end political violence."
The BJP general secretary was speaking on the political violence in West Bengal organised by 'Samvada'.
One of the disappointing factors of the elections to five States for which results were declared on May 2 is violence during and post the elections in West Bengal, he said while questioning the alleged silence of the Communist party and Congress leaders.
"Mamata Banerjee who has been ruling the state for 10 years has to be blamed (for violence). The ruling party and the Chief Minister, who despite losing from the constituency she had contested, without any explanation or remorse has occupied the Chief Minister's chair, are directly responsible," he said.
Noting that West Bengal has had its own history of political violence and violence in public life, Santhosh said Mamata Banerjee is its inheritor; she calls herself "Bangal ki Beti", but is silent on violence on other daughters of Bengal by her party workers under her rule.
Political and electoral violence are "pre-determined in the places ruled by Communist in the post-Independent India," he said.
Banerjee, who fought against the Left supremacy in Bengal which ruled the State from 1977-2011, and gained power, instead of working for the progress and welfare of the people and the State made the same violence the basis of her administration.
While in other States' political violence, voter lists and booth-related issues during elections are stray incidents, in West Bengal the politics of "goondagiri" can be seen in the entire State in all the 294 seats, he said.
If one has to see the politicisation of the administration, criminalisation of politics and corruption altogether then West Bengal is the place, he said.
Highlighting Bengal's contribution to spirituality, literature and economy, also to the freedom movement and hence there is a saying that "What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow", the BJP leader said such a place is in a sorry state today.
Conceding that BJP lost in West Bengal and despite huge expectations managed to get only 77 seats and after two resignations now has 75 MLAs, he said, "It is not the pain of losing power, but it is the pain of Bengal going back to the same old politics of violence is what is hurting us the most."
The public anger against Mamata Banerjee and the inability of Congress and Communists to fight her led to people start supporting the BJP in the State, he said adding Hindus there also stood against her in protest against oppression against the community under her rule.
Santhosh questioned the alleged silence of the media and intellectuals on West Bengal violence.
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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
