Will Bengal Teach the BJP a Lesson Like in 2011?
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Synopsis
On the 18th anniversary of the Nandigram tragedy, Abhishek Banerjee highlights the spirit of West Bengal, declaring that the people will respond to the BJP with the same resilience they showed against the Left Front in 2011. The echoes of history resonate as he warns of the 'silent invisible rigging' in today's politics.
Key Takeaways
- Bengal's resilience is a significant factor in its political history.
- The Nandigram incident remains a poignant reminder of the struggle for rights and land.
- Abhishek Banerjee's remarks highlight ongoing concerns about electoral integrity.
- The narrative of political oppression continues to resonate in current discourse.
- Voter sentiment may shift dramatically in response to current events.
Kolkata, Nov 10 (NationPress) The citizens of West Bengal are poised to deliver a lesson to the BJP akin to the one they imparted to the CPI(M)-led Left Front back in 2011, remarked Abhishek Banerjee, the general secretary of the Trinamool Congress and a Lok Sabha member. This statement was made on the 18th anniversary of the tragic Nandigram incident in East Midnapore, where police firing claimed the lives of 14 individuals in 2007.
Rather than directly naming the BJP, Banerjee referred to them as “the zamindars of Delhi”.
“Bengal taught the Left Front a lesson that they will never forget. Today, we convey a similar message to the zamindars of Delhi. Bengal will stand firm and unwavering. We will dismantle their arrogance at the ballot box and consign this politics of exclusion to the annals of history,” Banerjee stated in a post on social media on Monday afternoon.
He strongly criticized the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in West Bengal, labeling it as “silent invisible rigging”.
Banerjee contended that this “silent invisible rigging” perpetrated by the BJP is merely a modern incarnation of the Left Front’s “scientific rigging” which occurred in West Bengal before 2011.
“On this significant date in 2007, the courageous residents of Nandigram rose up against the brutal attempts by the then Left Front government to seize their land, dignity, and right to live with respect. The face of oppression may have changed, but the oppression itself remains constant. The ‘harmads’ of yesterday have transformed into the ‘jallads of today’. Where the Left Front once employed covert ‘SCIENTIFIC RIGGING,’ the current regime resorts to SILENT INVISIBLE RIGGING,” Banerjee expressed in his social media update.
To recall, in 2007, Nandigram was the epicenter of a fierce movement opposing land acquisition proposed by the previous Left Front government for establishing a chemical hub. Protesters, predominantly led by the Trinamool Congress and reportedly supported by Maoists, effectively isolated Nandigram from the rest of the state by cutting off all access points.
On this day in 2007, a massive police force arrived in Nandigram to reclaim the area from protesters. Intense clashes erupted between the police and demonstrators, culminating in the tragic deaths of 14 individuals due to police gunfire.
This incident is believed to have significantly contributed to the downfall of the 24-year Left Front regime, paving the way for the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in 2011.
Point of View
The recent comments from Abhishek Banerjee highlight the ongoing tensions in West Bengal's political arena. The reference to past events underlines the persistent struggle for power and representation. The discourse surrounding electoral practices such as 'silent invisible rigging' raises important questions about transparency and fairness in our democratic processes. It is crucial to approach this narrative with a commitment to factual reporting and an emphasis on the voices of the people.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Nandigram incident?
The Nandigram incident refers to a tragic event in 2007 when police opened fire on protesters opposing land acquisition by the Left Front government, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals.
Who is Abhishek Banerjee?
Abhishek Banerjee is the general secretary of the Trinamool Congress and a member of the Lok Sabha, known for his active role in West Bengal's political landscape.
What does 'silent invisible rigging' mean?
'Silent invisible rigging' refers to alleged manipulative practices in electoral processes that occur without visible signs, making it difficult for the public to detect.
How did the Nandigram incident affect West Bengal politics?
The Nandigram incident played a significant role in the downfall of the Left Front's 24-year rule, leading to the rise of the Trinamool Congress in 2011.
What message is Banerjee sending to the BJP?
Banerjee is asserting that West Bengal will resist the BJP's influence and maintain its political integrity, drawing parallels with the past struggle against the Left Front.
