West Bengal on Edge: Central Forces, Fake Certificates, and Political Turmoil

Paromita Das

New Delhi, 5th  November: As West Bengal approaches critical elections in 2025, the state finds itself at the crossroads of democracy and security. The Central Government has been requested, through a formal letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer by booth-level officers, to deploy central forces to safeguard election duties. These frontline election workers—government teachers, clerks, and other officials tasked with verifying voter documents at the grassroots—are increasingly threatened and feel vulnerable. Their call for protection underscores the tension between ensuring free and fair elections and the ground realities of intimidation and fear.

The Foot Soldiers of Democracy Seek Protection

Booth-level officers, described as “the foot soldiers of democracy,” play a pivotal role in the electoral process, verifying voter credentials, ensuring the accuracy of documents, and validating voter eligibility. However, they report facing substantial threats and intimidation, impacting their ability to perform duties freely and fairly. It is in this context that an urgent letter has been sent requesting the deployment of central security forces to shield these officers. Only with adequate security can the electoral process maintain its integrity and ensure that every eligible citizen can exercise their franchise without fear or hindrance.

The Shadow of Fake Birth Certificates in South 24 Parganas

Adding a complex layer to West Bengal’s electoral challenges is a startling report by Indian Express focusing on पाटन खाली ग्राम पंचायत in South 24 Parganas. This small area has alarmingly been identified as Bharat’s “fake birth certificate capital,” with over 3500 fraudulent birth certificates detected recently. These fabricated documents form the basis for other identity proofs like PAN cards, creating a vast network of false identities potentially skewing electoral rolls and other official records. The scale of deception in such a small geography raises serious concerns about electoral integrity and the effectiveness of identity verification procedures.

Under Mamata Banerjee, Bengal has already become a safe haven for jihadis and infiltrators—and now, it is fast emerging as a leading global supplier of jihadis!

A massive fake birth certificate racket has been unearthed in Pathankhali, Gosaba (South 24 Parganas), where a mere… pic.twitter.com/ktV6xF5hb6

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 17, 2025

Government’s Protest and Ground Realities

While many advocate for strengthening the electoral process, the West Bengal government launched protests on November 4, including ground marches in Kolkata, against what it perceives as unjust and flawed election processes. This political opposition to enhanced electoral reforms and security measures reveals a deep mistrust and politicization surrounding the election administration. The protests highlight the polarized political environment in West Bengal, where efforts to improve voter validation are simultaneously seen as threats or political maneuvers.

The Border District Exodus and Its Implications

Further complicating the situation are reports from border districts adjoining Bangladesh, where residents have begun to return to Bangladesh fearing detection during the electoral verification process. The apprehension of being caught in the electoral purge is pushing many to leave Bharat prematurely, reflecting the human dimension of electoral vigilance. This exodus underlines the tensions at the West Bengal-Bangladesh border, the socio-political anxieties generated by electoral reforms, and their broader implications on regional stability.

Balancing Security and Democratic Rights

The demands for deploying central forces and the crackdown on fake documents are steps toward securing and cleaning up the electoral process in West Bengal. However, these must be carefully balanced with respect for democratic rights and ensuring that electoral administration is free from political bias or manipulation. Intimidation of election officers threatens the democratic fabric, yet the political protests against reform measures reveal the fragile trust existing between government agencies and political entities. A transparent, inclusive, and strictly non-partisan approach involving all stakeholders is essential to preserve the robustness of West Bengal’s democracy.

Towards a Fair and Fearless Election

West Bengal’s 2025 election stands as a pivotal event — a test of its democratic resilience in the face of increasing challenges. Adequate security for election staff, stringent action against forged documents, and collaborative dialogue between political factions and election authorities can pave the way for free, fair, and fearless elections. As the state navigates this tense pre-election period, the safeguarding of electoral integrity and democratic values must remain paramount, ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard and honored without fear or prejudice.