‘Serious repercussions,’ Amit Shah gives very clear hints that Bengal could be put under President’s rule anytime now

The alleged attack on BJP President JP Nadda’s convoy by goons carrying TMC flags has heated things in West Bengal which is slated to go to polls next year. Unsurprisingly, the clamour amidst the BJP to impose President’s rule in the state has increased after incessant attacks on its workers and leaders since the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections with things reaching a tipping point after the alleged attack on Nadda’s convoy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has come up with a stern warning as he has hinted that President’s rule is one of the options available at his disposal if the rampant lawlessness isn’t brought to a screeching halt in West Bengal.

It seems that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in no mood to let Mamata off the hook this time after BJP President JP Nadda’s convoy was attacked in Bengal recently.

Shah while condemning the incident in a series of tweets, said, “However much we condemn this incident, it is less. The central government is taking this attack very seriously. The Bengal government will have to answer to the peace-loving people of the state for this sponsored violence.”

He added, “Bengal has descended into an era of tyranny, anarchy and darkness under the Trinamool rule. The manner in which political violence has been institutionalized and brought to the extreme in West Bengal under TMC rule is sad and worrying.”

Such stern messaging indicates that the MHA might be considering the option of President’s rule in West Bengal if the unbridled violence doesn’t stop.

Make no mistake; the BJP will only consider the imposition of President’s rule as the last option. Nadda when quizzed upon whether the Central government would impose President’s rule after the attack on his convoy said, “The incident was an example of anarchy, lawlessness, and intolerance. Administration has crumbled. It speaks volumes of the mentality of Mamata Banerjee. Will there be no political debate in Bengal? But we will end the rule of Mamata Banerjee in a democratic way.”

Earlier in November when prominent leaders like Kailash Vijayvargiya and Babul Supriyo demanded President’s rule in Bengal, Shah said, “As far as the government of India is concerned, we have to work as per the constitutional norms, the ground situation and the governor’s report.”

However, the attack on Nadda’s convoy might change equations as the MHA has now summoned the Chief Secretary and the DGP of Bengal.

While Shah will have a major say in the imposition of President’s rule in the state, the role of WB Governor Jagdeep Dhankar will also be key as his report will be considered crucial by the Supreme Court of India. It is reported that Shah will receive the Governor’s report shortly.

While the imposition of President’s rule will allow Mamata to play the victim card, what can force Shah’s hand is the prospect of elections being rigged by Mamata and her goons in the TMC.

While during the elections, the administration will be under the Election Commission, the law and order until the counting day will be with the state government. If there’s a possibility that Mamata’s administration won’t allow free and fair elections with unabated violence continuing in the state, Shah’s hand might be forced closer to the elections.