Electoral Processes and Political Violence: An Observational Analysis of State Elections in West Bengal

Abstract

Democracy is the form of government where citizens choose their representatives through free and fair election. This is the finest way for the citizens of a nation to express their opinions and preferences. The ideal type of democracy is only possible when the citizens, the maker of democracy feels free to participate in the democratic electoral process. But in reality, democracy is in crisis. Violence during the elections challenges the basic democratic principles and citizens right. Basically, in Indian Sub-continent, violence has become an inseparable part of democratic politics. Particularly, in West Bengal, it has its own tradition and unique style which is very much different from the other States of India. This paper is an attempt to evaluate the correlation between democratic values and violence in West Bengal from 60s to till of the date. In addition to this, an initiative has been taken to examine the longest history and its characteristics of various types of violence which make West Bengal unique.