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Bengal Governor's Warning: Why Ballot Must Replace Bullet in Elections

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has made a strong statement about the need for electoral reform in the state. He emphasized that elections must be conducted through ballots rather than bullets, calling this transition urgently necessary. The Governor identified violence and corruption as the two biggest obstacles to free and fair elections in Bengal. He expressed confidence that the Election Commission's measures and public acceptance would help restore the state's electoral integrity.

Key Points: Governor CV Ananda Bose Demands Ballot Over Bullet in Bengal

  • Governor Bose demands immediate transition from violent to democratic election processes
  • Identifies violence and corruption as two major challenges facing Bengal elections
  • Calls for iron-handed approach to curb all forms of electoral violence
  • Expresses confidence that Bengal will follow Bihar's successful electoral example
2 min read

Elections in Bengal should be based on ballot, not bullet: Governor CV Ananda Bose

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose calls for urgent end to election violence, demands free and fair polls ahead of 2026 Assembly elections.

"In West Bengal, elections should be based on ballot, not bullet. That is a transition which is required urgently in the state. - Governor CV Ananda Bose"

Kolkata, Nov 15

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday said that elections in the state should be based on the ballot and not the bullet. The reaction from the Governor came a day after the NDA registered a thumping victory in the Bihar Assembly polls.

Speaking to a section of reporters at Raj Bhavan, Governor Bose said, "In West Bengal, elections should be based on ballot, not bullet. That is a transition which is required urgently in the state. Any type of violence, whatever be the reason, should be curbed with an iron hand. That is what is required in Bengal today."

The comments from the Governor came ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.

Governor Bose also said that violence and corruption during elections are two major challenges in West Bengal.

"I still stick to the view that the two major problems that confront the state need to be addressed effectively. One is violence and another is corruption. Before the election, certainly, violence has to be curbed and corruption has to be removed from the electioneering process. This state will come back to its original glory only if the corruption and violence are rooted out immediately. Otherwise, we cannot have a free and fair election in the state," said the Governor.

It may be noted that elections in West Bengal are largely marred by widespread violence, especially in the last few general elections, Assembly polls and panchayat elections.

"That is why the Election Commission is taking all steps to see that the election is conducted in the state in a free and fair manner," said Bose.

Responding to queries on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state, Governor Bose exuded confidence that the people of the state will accept the process.

"If people are confused, then we should convince them that SIR is a process which is required to clean up the election process and to ensure that free and fair elections take place. Bihar has proved it, and I am sure people of Bengal will accept it," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I agree with the sentiment, I wish the Governor would focus more on his constitutional role rather than making political statements. The timing right after Bihar elections seems calculated.
A
Arjun K
As someone from Kolkata, I've seen firsthand how political violence affects ordinary people. My uncle couldn't vote last time because goons blocked the polling booth. This needs to stop! 😠
S
Sarah B
The mention of corruption is crucial. It's not just about violence - money power and booth capturing have become too common. Hope the Election Commission takes strong action before 2026.
M
Michael C
Having worked as an election observer in Bengal, I can confirm the challenges are real. The SIR process mentioned here could be a game-changer if implemented properly. Fingers crossed! 🤞
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Nikhil C
Bengal deserves better. We are the land of Tagore and Vivekananda - our political culture should reflect that heritage, not this violence and corruption. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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