DRAUPADI’S PLIGHT WITHOUT KRISHNA ~~~~~~ Utank Banerjee

 

INTRODUCTION

In the turbulent sea of recent events in West Bengal, particularly the disturbing incidents in Sandeshkhali, a stark reality has emerged – a reality stained with violence, sexual exploitation, and a palpable political apathy. Despite the state being led by a woman Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, it has regrettably transformed into a fertile ground for violence, especially against women, orchestrated by alleged Islamic Jihadist elements. This harrowing scenario not only demands immediate attention but also prompts a deep reflection on the effectiveness of the constitutional machinery. As the state grapples with insecurity and its citizens endure constant fear, the urgency for intervention echoes louder than ever, evoking the timeless words of Edmund Burke "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." The gravity of the situation necessitates a critical examination of the state's governance and raises pertinent questions about the constitutional backbone, compelling us to consider the invocation of Article 356 – the constitutional imperative in the face of a crumbling democratic order.

 

DRAUPADI'S PLIGHT WITHOUT KRISHNA

In the complex web of West Bengal's leadership, the fact that Mamata Banerjee, a woman, is at the helm adds to the confusion when we look at the troubling events in Sandeshkhali. It's like having a contradiction – a female leader and distressing stories of harm against women. Under Mamata Banerjee's rule, the state is not only dealing with a reported rise in the influence of alleged Islamic Jihadist elements but also a growing sense of fear and insecurity, especially for women.

In this tough situation, there's no savior like Lord Krishna during Draupadi's Vastraharan, which makes the predicament even more heart-wrenching. The ancient story, where divine help came to the rescue of a violated woman, seems sadly relevant today. The phrase "Draupadi's plight without a Krishna" captures the feeling of victims left without a guiding hand in their time of need.

The leadership in the state, represented by Mamata Banerjee, is at a crossroads, where promises need to turn into actions. As the echoes of Draupadi's suffering echo in the current events of Sandeshkhali, the need for responsible, protective governance becomes clear. The saying "like a ship without a captain" fits the situation well, highlighting the lack of effective leadership to navigate away from the storm of violence and insecurity.

In this critical moment, where cries for justice face a deafening silence, we're reminded of Martin Luther King Jr.'s words: "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends." Failing to protect the vulnerable and ensure safety for all is a shared failure, calling for not just a change in leadership but a fundamental shift in the moral direction of those in power. The tale of Draupadi's pain without a Krishna serves as a haunting reminder that, without decisive action, the fabric of societal justice may unravel, leaving victims stranded and unheard.

TMC'S CULTURE OF VIOLENCE

The TMC's engagement in a theatre of violence and intimidation, vividly showcased in the Sandeshkhali incident, looms as a menacing spectre threatening the safety and well-being of the people. The reported land grabbing, clandestine operations, and assaults on political rivals paint a stark picture of a ruling party that seems willing to throw the rule of law under the bus for its own selfish gains. "Wolves in sheep's clothing" aptly characterizes the TMC's façade of governance, revealing a more sinister intent beneath the surface.

 

POLITICAL EXPLOITATION AND SUPPRESSION

The imposition of Section 144 and the wielding of internet bans, coupled with the arrests and torment inflicted upon protesting women and BJP workers, accentuates the stark reality of political exploitation and the stifling of dissent. Instead of safeguarding citizens' rights, the constitutional machinery appears to be wielded as a tool to suppress opposition, turning the democratic process into a mere puppetry. Its nothing but curtailing freedom of expression.

 

ISLAMIC JIHADIST INFLUENCE

The unsettling reports of Islamic Jihadist elements contributing to an atmosphere fraught with fear and insecurity demand not just attention but an unwavering response from both state and central authorities. The safety of citizens, especially women, should be sacrosanct, and any failure to tackle this burgeoning issue undermines the very bedrock of democracy. The phrase "sleeping with the enemy" highlights the perilous dance the state might be engaged in, unwittingly harboring influences that compromise the essence of democratic principles.

 

IMMEDIATE NEED FOR THE PRESIDENT’S RULE (ART. 356) IN THE STATE OF WEST BENGAL

In the face of West Bengal's spiraling crisis and the apparent breakdown of the constitutional machinery, it is high time to contemplate invoking Article 356. This constitutional safeguard acts as a trump card, empowering the President to wrest control over a state's administration when the very fabric of constitutional order begins to unravel. The current circumstances necessitate the imposition of Article 356 as a strategic move to not only mend the frayed threads of law and order but also to serve as a beacon restoring the safety and well-being of citizens. This imperative action stands as a bulwark, a safeguarding citadel upholding the bedrock principles of democracy in the state. It is to take the bull by the horns as there is a decisive need for direct intervention, ensuring that the reins of power are restored and wielded responsibly to steer the ship of the state away from the storm of chaos.

 

VISIT OF NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED TRIBE.

The recent revelations from Sandeshkhali village in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal add another layer of complexity to the already dire situation. Reports of poor tribal families being denied MNREGA wages for exercising their democratic right to vote against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration are deeply troubling. The exploitation and intimidation tactics described by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) paint a grim picture of the systematic abuse of power, with TMC goons allegedly backed by the police in exploiting the vulnerable tribal community. The NCST's findings of police negligence and complicity in protecting the accused further underscore the urgent need for intervention to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of marginalized communities. Moreover, the accounts of rampant vote rigging and intimidation tactics employed by TMC workers, as revealed by several women, highlight the erosion of democratic principles and the failure of the electoral process to ensure fairness and transparency. These revelations demand immediate action to restore faith in the democratic process and hold accountable those responsible for perpetrating such egregious acts of injustice and coercion.

 

THE CALL OF ABVP

In response to the escalating turmoil in Sandeshkhali, ABVP South Bengal has emerged as a vocal advocate for justice and peace in the region. Their organized protest march and submission of a memorandum to the Governor of West Bengal underscore the urgent need to address the pervasive violence against women and the exploitation of common people allegedly supported by fundamentalist forces linked to the Trinamool Congress. Moreover, recent incidents, including resistance faced by ED officials and media representatives during corruption investigations, and the wrongful detention of a Higher Secondary examinee girl by local police, have exposed the grim reality of suppressed truth and governmental inaction. ABVP South Bengal's demands for strong action against perpetrators, immediate arrests, deployment of central paramilitary forces, justice for victims, and a CBI investigation are crucial steps toward restoring peace, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding the rights of the people of Sandeshkhali. The call for decisive action echoes the collective voice of those seeking justice and stability in the face of adversity.

 

CHAIRPERSON OF NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN VISITS SANDESHKHALI

The visit of NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma to Sandeshkhali sheds further light on the gravity of the situation, with her statements adding weight to the calls for President's rule in West Bengal. Sharma's firsthand accounts of the alleged sexual assaults and the victims' cries for justice underscore the urgent need for decisive action to address the pervasive violence and exploitation in the region. The failure of local authorities to promptly respond to these heinous crimes only amplifies the demand for central intervention to restore law and order and ensure accountability for the perpetrators. The accusations against prominent TMC leaders and their subsequent arrests highlight the deep-rooted corruption and abuse of power plaguing Sandeshkhali, further emphasizing the necessity of impartial investigation and stringent measures to uphold the rights and dignity of the affected individuals.

 

CONCLUSION

As West Bengal finds itself entangled in a web of violence and political apathy, the situation eerily mirrors Draupadi's plight without a Krishna. Women in Sandeshkhali face a similar vulnerability, left without a protective force to shield them from harm. Mamata Banerjee's leadership, like Draupadi's predicament without Krishna, demands a transformation from mere promises to tangible actions.

The women of Sandeshkhali are akin to Draupadi, their cries for justice echoing in the vast silence of political inaction. In this critical moment, invoking Article 356 emerges as the metaphorical Lord Krishna, the decisive force needed to intervene and rescue the oppressed from the clutches of tyranny. It's the call for a protector, a guiding hand that can steer the state away from the storm of chaos and restore the fabric of societal justice. The time has come to act, to summon the protective spirit of Lord Krishna through the imposition of Article 356, and to save the women of Sandeshkhali from the ordeal akin to Draupadi's plight without a Krishna. Much like Draupadi Murmu, the Hon’ble President of Bharat, who symbolizes strength and justice, it is only through Madam President Draupadi Murmu's intervention that the Helpless Draupadis of Sandeshkhali can find salvation.