In his speech after the assembly results came in on May 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi framed the BJP’s victory in West Bengal as a turning point. It would mark a break from a political culture marred by fear and violence, he said, the state would be “bhay mukt”. Bringing about this change in a state where political violence has a long and tangled history will require a deep resolve from the new ruling party, its leaders and workers. The task of rejuvenation and repair, however, also requires a buy-in from the outgoing Trinamool Congress. Unfortunately, in the 48 hours since the election results, the sounds of violence, though much more muted and erratic........

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