The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the BJP of escalating its efforts to divide parties, claiming that a situation similar to Maharashtra is unfolding in West Bengal. According to a scathing editorial in Saamana, after the West Bengal elections, a swift political move occurred where Mamata Banerjee’s TMC faced an unexpected defeat, leading to internal divisions in the party. The editorial highlighted parallels between the alleged strategies used in Maharashtra against Shiv Sena and NCP and the unfolding situation in West Bengal.
The editorial pointed out that the BJP’s dominance in the West Bengal Assembly, coupled with recent meetings between the Speaker and top central leaders, makes legal action under the anti-defection law challenging. It suggested that the Election Commission and the Supreme Court’s roles are under scrutiny, drawing comparisons to the political maneuvers witnessed in Maharashtra. The editorial warned of a potential shift towards a centralized political system, expressing concerns over the weakening of regional parties and federal autonomy.
Claiming that the BJP’s victories in Maharashtra and West Bengal were not through democratic mandates but by co-opting MLAs from regional parties, the editorial raised alarms about a potential move towards a “one-party, one election” model. It criticized what it described as the alleged manipulation of state machinery, financial incentives, and political coercion to maintain power. The editorial also highlighted a pattern of undermining established leadership, citing instances in Bihar, Punjab, and Delhi, besides West Bengal.
The Shiv Sena editorial questioned the legitimacy of defections within the TMC in light of claims of establishing the rule of law in West Bengal. It criticized the alleged role of Assembly Speakers in facilitating defections, drawing parallels to the Maharashtra political crisis. Additionally, it accused the BJP-led West Bengal administration of deviating from its earlier stance on issues like cattle slaughter, suggesting a shift towards destabilizing opposition parties for political gain. The editorial concluded by expressing concerns over the erosion of Indian democracy and the sustainability of such political practices.
