Editorial

As India collectively mourns the daily deaths of loved ones in the deadly Covid-19 second wave, the depth of people’s grief and shock is matched only by the utter callousness of the Government of India.

The West Bengal Assembly election mandate was a comprehensive rebuff to the BJP’s Islamophobic election campaign. Immediately after the results were out, however, W Bengal is witnessing disturbing instances of post-poll violence, affecting supporters of all parties. What is even more disturbing is the concerted attempt by BJP leaders to spread fake news and give a communal spin to both the verdict itself, as well as the violence.

As the month-long election schedule unfolds in West Bengal, it is marked by what appears to be a disturbing nexus between central armed forces, the Election Commission and the BJP.

As the Assembly Elections in five states follow their schedule, several developments show a mirror to today’s most urgent political concerns.