Communal Polarisation and Law Enforcement Challenges in West Bengal
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
Provides a contemporary case study of how electoral power struggles and relative deprivation (impoverished regions) fuel communalism—directly addressing past GS1 questions. It also highlights governance failures and the politicization of state law and order machinery, relevant for GS2 and GS3.
Summary
An editorial analyzing the communal violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, sparked by protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act and Ram Navami processions. It criticizes the politicization of law and order by both the ruling TMC and opposition BJP ahead of Assembly elections. The piece highlights police inaction, the Calcutta High Court's order to deploy Central Armed Police Forces, and the underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities of the region's impoverished population, demonstrating how power struggles and relative deprivation fuel communalism.
Key Points
- Communal clashes erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act and Ram Navami processions, resulting in three deaths and widespread property damage.
- The Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in Murshidabad due to state police inaction and politicisation.
- Political parties are accused of exploiting communal polarisation for electoral gains ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
- The violence is unfolding in an impoverished region characterized by high male out-migration and women working as beedi rollers, exacerbating the socio-economic impact of the unrest.
Important Terms
Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2024
Legislation proposed to reform the 1995 Act by introducing non-Muslim members to Waqf boards, granting District Collectors power to determine property status, and digitizing records for transparency.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Government Policies/Minority Rights; tests understanding of administrative reforms and constitutional protections for religious institutions.
Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019
Law providing accelerated Indian citizenship to persecuted religious minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Christians) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India before 2014.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Constitution/Citizenship; tests knowledge of fundamental rights (Article 14) and the legal framework for migration.
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
Seven security forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs (e.g., CRPF, BSF) tasked with border guarding and assisting state police in maintaining internal security and public order.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Internal Security; tests understanding of the security architecture and Article 355 duties of the Union.
Calcutta High Court
The highest judicial body in West Bengal, exercising oversight on state administration and frequently ordering central force deployment or SIT probes during communal or electoral violence.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Judiciary/Executive-Judiciary Relations; tests the role of High Courts in upholding public order and fundamental rights.
Communalism
An ideology or social phenomenon where a community's identity is constructed around religion, often leading to political mobilization and social friction against other religious groups.
UPSC context
GS Paper I: Social Issues; GS Paper IV: Ethics; tests understanding of social harmony, secularism, and the causes of civil unrest.
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
The ruling political party in West Bengal; its governance and management of law and order are central to debates on state secularism and political violence.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Electoral Politics; tests knowledge of regional parties and their role in federalism and state-level administration.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
The principal opposition party in West Bengal and national ruling party; emphasizes issues of border security, CAA implementation, and the protection of minority rights within the state.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Political Parties; tests understanding of political ideologies and their impact on state and national governance.
Prelims Trap
The Central government cannot deploy CAPF in a State without the explicit consent of the State government.
While 'Public Order' is a State subject, the Centre can deploy CAPFs independently under Article 355 (internal disturbance) or via Constitutional Court orders.
Static Concepts Connected
Under what constitutional provisions can the Centre deploy armed forces in states?
- Article 355: Mandates the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance, allowing unilateral Central deployment.
- Judicial Directives: Constitutional courts (HCs and SC) can order the Centre to deploy CAPF to restore order and protect fundamental rights, overriding state objections.
- AFSPA, 1958: Enables the Centre (or State Governor) to declare an area 'disturbed' and deploy armed forces for aid to civil power.
What is the statutory framework governing Waqf properties in India?
- Definition: A permanent dedication of movable or immovable property for religious, pious, or charitable purposes recognized by Muslim law.
- Central Waqf Council: A statutory body established under the Waqf Act, 1995 to advise the Centre on the administration of State Waqf Boards.
- Waqf (Amendment) Act: The 2025 amendment attempts to reorganize Waqf administration by including non-Muslim members and increasing government regulatory oversight.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Economic deprivation fueling communal fire
The Murshidabad violence highlights how impoverished regions with high male out-migration and vulnerable informal labor (beedi workers) become fertile grounds for political mobilization along communal lines.
Politicization of State Police and Judicial Overreach
The High Court's intervention underscores a recurring theme: state police inaction during clashes due to political pressure, reinforcing the urgent need to implement the Prakash Singh guidelines on police autonomy.
Expect a GS-2 Mains question linking the politicization of state police forces to the increasing necessity of judicial interventions for CAPF.
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2018MainsGS1
Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.' Argue by giving suitable illustrations.
- 2017MainsGS3
Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.
- 2017MainsGS1
Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.
- 2023MainsGS3
What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.
