Violence, corruption are Bengal's two 'cancerous growths', says Governor Bose

Describing violence and corruption as the “two cancerous growths” afflicting West Bengal's political system, Governor C. V. Ananda Bose on Wednesday said elections in the state must be fought with ballots, not bullets, and called for firm action to restore democratic norms ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.

- ANJALI SINGH

Speaking at the second and final day of the India News Manch conclave in New Delhi, the Governor said his assessment over the past three years had revealed a deep-rooted culture of political violence and corruption in the state. Stressing the need for a “violence-free Bengal”, Bose said democracy could not survive if fear and coercion dominated the electoral process.

Referring to recent incidents of attacks on public representatives, including the alleged assault on a Member of Parliament during a constituency visit, the Governor said such incidents did not “bring credit to anybody” and reflected a breakdown of law and order. Violence, he said, had to be contained “tooth and nail” through effective and uncompromising measures.