On October 6, in the flood-hit region of Nagrakata, North Bengal, BJP MP Khagen Murmu faced a distressing attack while delivering relief to victims. A group pelted his convoy with stones, injuring him severely enough to require surgery for a fractured cheekbone. The incident, marked by a bloodied Murmu emerging from a shattered vehicle, raised alarms about West Bengal’s law and order under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.

Police response was sluggish, with only two arrests days later, despite calls from Governor CV Ananda Bose for swift action. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Murmu in hospital, but her remarks downplaying the injury as minor and linked to his health sparked criticism.

TMC leaders suggested the BJP provoked the unrest, while opposition voices pointed to deeper issues of governance. This incident, set against a backdrop of rising political tensions, underscores the challenges facing Bengal as it approaches the 2026 assembly elections. From past incidents like Sandeshkhali to recent unrest in Murshidabad, the state grapples with violence that threatens its democratic fabric, raising questions about ensuring fair polls and restoring public trust.

The TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, faces growing public frustration. Voters are concerned about unemployment, with thousands of firms leaving Bengal since 2011, and recurring controversies, such as mismanaged relief funds. Surveys show nearly two-thirds of younger voters worry about violence, a concern amplified by incidents like the 2025 Murshidabad riots, where lives were lost and homes destroyed. Banerjee’s leadership retains support for its welfare outreach, but her government’s handling of dissent appears strained. The attack on Murmu, a tribal leader representing Malda Uttar, suggests an attempt to discourage opposition activity in rural strongholds. Past elections, like the 2023 panchayat polls with dozens of casualties, highlight how tensions can disrupt voting.

TMC’s focus on rallying its base, sometimes through divisive rhetoric, risks alienating moderates who seek stability. The challenge is clear: addressing grievances through governance, not confrontation, is vital to calm the state’s volatile political climate and rebuild confidence among voters.

Bengal’s police force, stretched thin with a low officer-to-population ratio, struggles to maintain neutrality. In Nagrakata, officers were present but slow to intervene, fuelling perceptions of bias toward TMC supporters.

Similar complaints arose during the Murshidabad unrest, where victims of Hindu families felt neglected while Muslim perpetrators faced little immediate consequence. The reliance on untrained civic volunteers has weakened the force’s effectiveness, with reports of selective enforcement in favour of the ruling party. For instance, opposition protests often face stricter policing than TMC-led gatherings, as seen in responses to a 2025 Kolkata crime case.

This perception of partiality erodes trust, especially in rural areas where BJP has gained ground. A neutral, well-equipped police force is essential for ensuring safety during campaigns and elections, yet the current system leaves many feeling vulnerable. Reforming recruitment and training could help restore credibility and prevent further escalations that jeopardize public safety.

As the 2026 elections near, the prospect of fair polling grows uncertain. The Murmu attack reflects a broader pattern of intimidation that could deter opposition voters. The 2023 panchayat elections, marred by violence and allegations of booth tampering, saw turnout drop in some areas, signaling suppressed participation.

Recent unrest, coupled with voter-list revisions that could affect millions, raises concerns about electoral integrity. TMC’s assurances of maintaining order often fall short, as internet shutdowns during clashes suggest efforts to control narratives rather than address root causes.

For communities like the tribals Murmu represents, who form a........

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