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 A 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.

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.

-Utank Banerjee