CPI(M) junks BJP’s law & order claims, cites crime data, ‘bulldozer justice’

Kolkata: The CPI(M) on Friday sharpened its attack on the BJP over its law-and-order claims in West Bengal, alleging that crime rates and violence against women are higher in BJP-ruled states and questioning the party’s poll promises.

Addressing a press conference, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim cited NCRB data to claim that the trend has worsened since the Narendra Modi government assumed office in 2014. “On what basis is the Prime Minister promising rule of law in Bengal?” he asked. His remarks came a day after Modi addressed multiple rallies in the state, and hours after Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the BJP’s manifesto, promising to restore law and order.

Salim criticised what he termed “bulldozer justice” in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, alleging that laws are being violated in the name of enforcement. He also referred to the Sohrabuddin encounter case, questioning Shah’s position on legal accountability.

Projecting an alternative, Salim highlighted the Left Democratic Front government in Kerala, claiming that anti-corruption drives there led to 201 operations last year and 227 convictions over five years.

He accused both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress of failing to curb corruption, citing unfulfilled promises of action in the Saradha chit fund case and alleging that land scam cases in states such as Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh remain unresolved. On women’s safety, Salim referred to cases such as Bilkis Bano, Hathras and Unnao, alleging gaps in governance. Raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, he claimed it could disenfranchise large sections of voters.

He also opposed the BJP’s promise to implement a Uniform Civil Code within six months, arguing that fundamental rights, including education, must take precedence over directive principles, and criticised the Centre over employment, education and

industrial policy.