Kolkata Civil Society Appeals for Unity and High Voter Turnout Ahead of Assembly Elections
As West Bengal prepares for the Assembly elections on April 23 and April 29, a coalition of religious figures and civil society members in Kolkata has issued a powerful appeal to voters across all faiths, communities, and linguistic backgrounds. They are urging citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and resist attempts to sow division, amidst a rising political temperature in the state.
Rising Political Tensions and Divisive Rhetoric
The calls for unity come at a critical juncture when political speeches have increasingly referenced religious and lingual identities. In many constituencies, leaders have framed issues around language and culture, often creating a perceived divide between 'insiders' and 'outsiders'. Overt references to religion have also been prominent in campaign speeches, heightening anxieties among the electorate.
Angelina Mantosh Jasnani, president of the Catholic Association of Bengal, emphasized the need for vigilance. "A certain section might try to vitiate the political atmosphere in the state by dividing people, but we must not walk into that trap," she stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining communal harmony during this electoral period.
Cross-Religious Support for Democratic Participation
The appeal has garnered widespread support from various religious institutions. Trustees of Nakhoda Mosque released a statement encouraging citizens to exercise their democratic rights responsibly. "We have to recognise our strength and express it through our wisdom in ballot boxes for the best candidates who will resolve our grievances," the appeal read, calling on social organizations to ensure maximum voter turnout.
Imam Mohammad Shafique Qasmi reinforced this message in a social media video, drawing a parallel between religious festivals and elections. "We celebrate our religious festivals with a lot of enthusiasm. Elections are our democratic festival and we must celebrate them with similar commitment," he said, urging the community to engage actively in the voting process.
An all-faith prayer meeting near Mother Teresa's statue at Allen Park on Tuesday brought together leaders from different religions. The gathering focused on themes of peace, justice, and responsible citizenship, addressing both global conflicts and local concerns as the elections approach.
Concerns Over Electoral Rolls and Voter Awareness
Simultaneously, the recent Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has emerged as a significant concern. Reports of deletions and confusion over voter eligibility have surfaced in many areas, particularly in constituencies with substantial minority populations. This has prompted increased vigilance among voters.
Sutapa Roy, a 36-year-old homemaker from New Town, shared her experience. "In our housing society, we have been reminding each other about voting on April 29. Earlier, voting felt routine, but this time there's more discussion, more awareness, and some concerns too. I will vote for sure along with my family, as we do not want any issues with our names on the rolls in the future," she explained, reflecting a broader trend of voters double-checking their registration details.
This heightened awareness is echoed by Harminder Singh, a social worker in Kolkata, who emphasized the collective nature of the electoral decision. "Voting is not about choosing between communities, but about choosing the future we will all share," he said, underscoring the importance of unity and shared responsibility in shaping the state's political landscape.
As the election dates draw near, the combined efforts of civil society and religious leaders aim to foster a climate of inclusivity and high participation, countering divisive narratives and ensuring that every vote counts in determining West Bengal's future.
