Statement by Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryavah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
Elections have a significant role in democracy. In this tradition, very recently polls for Assembly were conducted in West Bengal. The entire society of Bengal has vehemently participated in the same. It is but natural that the opposing sides, in the fit of emotions, sometimes across the limits in making allegations and counter allegations. However, we should always remember that all contesting parties belong to our country only and all those participating in the elections-the candidates, their supporters, the voters-are citizens of the nation.
But the violence unleashed state wide, soon after the election results came out, is not only highly condemnable but appears to be well conspired also. The anti social elements active in this abhorring violence, misbehaved with womenfolk in most barbaric and despicable manner, brutally killed the innocent people and torched the houses, shamelessly looted the shops and malls; and, as a result of the unabated violence, thousands of people including a large number brethren of scheduled castes and tribes, who became shelterless, were forced to go in search of refuge to save their lives and honour. Everywhere from Coochbehar to Sundarbans, there is a widespread fear psychosis among the common people.
The RSS condemns this gruesome violence in severest terms. It is our considered opinion that this post-poll-result violence is contrary to the Bharatiya tradition of Co-existence and respect to the opinion of all, as also it is totally opposed to the very spirit of democracy and one people enshrined in our Constitution.
That the role of state administrative machinery was completely passive and they remained mute spectators was the most heinous part of this unabated and inhuman violence. Neither the rioters are seemed to be afraid of anything nor is there any initiative by the state police and administration to control the violence.
The first and foremost responsibility of the ruling administration, whoever or whichever party may be in power, is to establish peace and safety in the society by maintaining law and order, to instil fear of law in the minds of the anti social elements, and to punish those involved in violent activities. The electoral victory belongs to political parties, but the elected government is accountable to the entire society.
We demand the newly elected government of West Bengal, as its top priority, to effectively establish rule of law by immediately containing violence, to initiate legal action against culprits by arresting them without further delay and also to instil a feeling of safety and confidence in the minds of affected people, and to take necessary steps for their rehabilitation. We also urge upon the Union Govt to take necessary and all possible steps to establish peace in WB and to ensure that state Govt acts in the above direction.
The RSS appeals to all the intelligentsia, the socio-religious and political leadership to play their significant role to arouse a feeling of trust and standing by the suffering sections of the society in this hour of crisis, to condemn the violence unequivocally, and also help create an atmosphere of peace, goodwill and harmony.
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