NCST Uncovers MNREGA Wage Denial and Voter Intimidation in West Bengal

Amidst the turmoil in Sandeshkhali village of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, reports have surfaced of poor tribal families being deprived of MNREGA wages for voting against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). A three-member team from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), led by Vice-Chairperson Ananta Nayak, confirmed these allegations.

According to Nayak, TMC affiliate Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates exploited the tribal community by coercing them to surrender their MNREGA earnings. Furthermore, victims who sought police assistance were reportedly discouraged from filing complaints and instead coerced to negotiate with the accused. The NCST has initiated inquiries into these allegations and issued notices to West Bengal police and the state’s Chief Secretary.

Additionally, women from Sandeshkhali have come forward to expose widespread voter fraud orchestrated by TMC operatives. They recounted instances of vote rigging, intimidation, and threats of violence aimed at suppressing dissenting voices. Despite police presence at polling stations, the women allege that officers failed to intervene and even collaborated with TMC goons.

Aarati Patra, a BJP nominee, highlighted the pervasive fear instilled by TMC goons, who threatened violence against those contesting elections. Another woman shared how her family received ominous “funeral essentials” after deciding to participate in the Panchayat elections, illustrating the extent of intimidation tactics employed.

These revelations underscore the urgent need for accountability and justice in West Bengal’s electoral processes. The NCST’s intervention and the testimonies of local women shed light on systemic abuses of power and the erosion of democratic values in the region.