The battle between West Bengals two main political parties - the Trinamool Congress and the BJP - has intensified over the arrest of controversial TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh. Sheikh, accused of being the main perpetrator in the shocking Sandeshkhali sexual assault case, was arrested on Wednesday by the CID after being on the run for over a month. The arrest has drawn sharp reactions from leaders on both sides. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose stated that this marks the beginning of an end, saying strongmen have been ruling the roost in parts of the state and this must stop. The Trinamool Congress responded by suspending Sheikh from the party for 6 years, with senior leader Derek OBrien saying we walk the talk when it comes to disciplinary action. However, he dared the BJP to take similar action against their leaders facing criminal charges.This comes on the heels of a bitter war of words between the two parties during election rallies. Addressing a gathering in Jhargram on Thursday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a stern warning that cooking gas prices could shoot up to Rs 1500-2000 per cylinder if the BJP returns to power, forcing people to go back to collecting firewood. She also accused the Centre of not clearing MGNREGA dues worth Rs 30000 for 59 lakh people in the state over the past two years, which the state government has now paid. With the Lok Sabha polls nearing, the political discourse in West Bengal continues to hit new lows. The arrest of controversial TMC veterans like Sheikh is being projected as a cleanup by the BJP, while the ruling party claims to be taking action while alleging the Centre is stalling welfare schemes. Voters now hope the focus returns to real issues affecting their lives.
