00:00 A statement made by TMC MLA Hamidur Rehman during an election rally in West Bengal has
00:06 sparked controversy and raised concerns about the state's electoral environment.
00:12 Rehman's wild threat to opposition supporters, implying repercussions if they don't vote
00:18 for TMC, undermines the democratic process and raises questions about the fair elections
00:23 in West Bengal.
00:25 His remarks suggested that only TMC supporters will be protected once the Central Forces
00:30 leave the district after April 26, hinting at potential intimidation tactics.
00:36 Take a look at what he stated.
00:38 Such statements not only violate the principle of free and fair elections, but also undermine
01:08 free and fair elections, but also contribute to a climate of fear and coercion, where voters
01:13 may feel pressured to vote a certain way out of fear for their safety.
01:18 Rehman's call for opposition supporters not to waste their votes on BJP, Congress and
01:23 CPI(M) candidates further exacerbates the concerns about voter intimidation and manipulation.
01:29 The timing of Rehman's statement just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Bengal just
01:34 adds another significance to the issue, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral
01:38 process in the state, with polling scheduled to begin on 19 April and continue in all seven
01:43 phases just because of security concerns to ensure a level playing field for all party
01:49 and voters.
01:51 However, as anticipated, such statements have again started to erupt in West Bengal.
01:58 Also the history of election violence in West Bengal is not new as highlighted by recent
02:02 events including the alleged killing of party workers after the 2021 assembly election.
02:08 The claims made by BJP President Dilip Ghosh about the death of 37 party workers post-election
02:14 result further emphasizes the need for vigilance and scrutiny to prevent any further violence
02:19 or intimidation.
02:20 In addition to the immediate concerns raised by Rehman's statement, the broader context
02:25 adds to the electoral dynamic of the West Bengal.
02:28 The BJP's significant electoral gains in the state particularly after the 2019 Lok
02:32 Sabha elections indicate a shifting political dynamic in the state and so such statements
02:38 are likely being made again and again.
02:41 This backdrop further highlights the importance of ensuring transparency, accountability and
02:45 respect for democratic norms in the electoral process.
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