Just Another ED Raid
It was meant to be an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at the home of Sheikh Shahjahan.
A raid to investigate an alleged ration scam in West Bengal. Shahjahan as a key Trinamool Congress office bearer in Sarberia village in North 24 Parganas district would have attracted the ED's attention.
No Beleagured Emperor This Shahjahan
But the ED officials may surely not have expected what awaited them. The Shahjahan that awaited them was not a beleaguered emperor imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. The house was seemingly locked but the ED officials believe (based on mobile phone tracking) that Shahjahan was very much ensconced inside.
A Raid Gone Awry
The ED officials may have tried to knock on the door or at the very least tried to open it to carry out their investigations. But the followers of Shahjahan seemed to have other ideas. They have rained blows on the officials and damaged the car they had come in for the raid.
The Rowdy Bengal Tiger
Two or three decades ago, one recollects law abiding citizens of West Bengal decrying the hooliganism that the CPM, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) indulged in, to browbeat opposition and retain power.
Mamata's Motherliness
One of the victims of that era had been Mamata Banerjee herself. Her 'success' is proof that what does not kill you, strengthens you. Sadly, in Mamata Didi's case, it seems to have strengthened her resolve to do unto others that which the CPM had done to her earlier.
Worst Bengal?
A strong lady like Mamata could have showcased good governance and ensured that her party would actually be seen as a different regional party. Alas, maybe it was never meant to be. Nepotism and corruption seem to continue unabated in West Bengal. Only the party in power has changed.
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