Political tension has once again gripped Birbhum, a district long associated with violence during election seasons. This time, however, the bloodshed has occurred months before the polls, with two Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders killed within a gap of just nine days in December. Both incidents are alleged to be the result of internal factional rivalry within the ruling party, giving the opposition fresh ammunition to target the TMC.
On December 5, Rajbihari Sardar alias Dodan (50), a TMC booth president, was beaten to death with a sword and bamboo in Patisra village under Thupasra gram panchayat in the Nanur police station area. Police sources said preliminary investigations pointed towards factional rivalry within the party, and four Trinamool workers were arrested in connection with the murder.
In another incident, the body of former TMC booth president Madan Lohar (50) was recovered on Sunday from the Santiniketan police station area. A resident of Dholekuri village under Kankalitala gram panchayat, Lohar had been missing for two days. His family alleged that he was murdered, adding to concerns over rising internal violence in the ruling party.
The twin murders have prompted sharp reactions from opposition parties, who accused the TMC of fostering a culture of corruption and violence. CPI(M) district secretary Gautam Ghosh alleged that Birbhum had turned into a “hotbed of corruption” under TMC’s rule.
“There is a fight for shares in sand, coal, stone and cut money. As elections approach, internal clashes begin every time. There is no democracy left,” Ghosh said.
BJP’s Bolpur organisational district president Shyamapad Mandal echoed similar sentiments, alleging that infighting over money was at the root of the violence. “Even small panchayat projects become sources of income. This is how a corrupt party has ruled for three terms. During elections, they unite to attack the opposition, and then return to looting,” he claimed.
Congress district president Milton Rashid said the violence reflected a struggle within the TMC over corruption. “They are competing to see who is more corrupt. When the opposition raises its voice, it is silenced using the administration. With elections approaching, they are busy securing their own interests, which is why such violence is happening,” he said.
Political observers point out that the opposition has remained marginalised in Birbhum for years, particularly after 2011, when the district’s politics was largely controlled by TMC strongman Anubrata Mandal. Known for his controversial statements and alleged strong-arm tactics, Mandal frequently courted controversy by openly threatening opponents and even the police.
Although rival factions within the TMC were often spoken of, their presence was rarely visible while Mandal remained politically dominant. However, his arrest in the cow smuggling case by the CBI and prolonged absence from district politics altered the balance of power.
During this period, leaders from the faction opposing him gained ground. Birbhum Zilla Parishad president Kajal Sheikh is considered to be aligned with this rival group. Since Mandal’s return to the district on bail, the two camps have reportedly avoided appearing together on public platforms. Despite repeated efforts, the party’s top leadership has so far failed to bridge the divide.
With elections drawing closer, the recent killings have highlighted the deepening internal rifts within the TMC in Birbhum, raising questions about law and order and the party’s ability to maintain unity in one of its most politically sensitive districts.
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