Bengal Guv warns of emerging trends about silent scientific rigging

Incidentally, assembly polls are scheduled  in West Bengal next year.

In a note to the media here recalling the imposition of Emergency in India on June 25, 1975, Mr Dhankhar said, 'Let’s all hope we never have Emergency or Emergency-like situation in the largest Democracy.  Our younger generation need to be well informed about this dark chapter and sad saga of our Democracy as this will motivate and inspire them to stand for democratic values.

'I must also share contextually that certain emerging trends, and some being conceptualised in the State worry me. One such is that plans are afoot that SILENT SCIENTIFIC rigging will be an organised affair to be executed by paid and trained people. I am flagging the issue in public interest, and also to secure free and fair elections, to Election Commission,' his note said.

Emergency, imposed on June 25, 1975, was the darkest period of post-Independent India when for 21 months Human Rights, Freedom of the Media, Civil Liberties were suspended and curtailed, and an atmosphere of fear prevailed in the country. The then Hon’ble President signed the proclamation just a few minutes before the clock struck midnight.  It became effective on June 25 at midnight.  Prominent politicians Atal Behari Vajpayee, Madhu Dandavate and others came to be arrested in the country on June 26 and thereafter, Mr Dhankhar wrote.

'Democracy came to be crushed as never before.  That period is a grim reminder to all of us – How precious is Democracy!   Eternal vigilance of the citizens alone can protect it.  It can thrive only if we nip in the bud all traces of violation of human rights, unimaginable police excesses, throttling the media of its freedom, Extra-Constitutional Authority remote control governance,' the governor noted.

'Ignoring worrisome state of affairs of human rights, dilution of rule of law, disregard of Constitution are aspects that need to be repelled if Democracy is not to be imperilled. Emergence of Extra-Constitutional authority in governance does not augur well for Democracy.  Alarming traces of these are perceptibly visible in the State and need to be antidoted,' he went on to say.

The media, during Emergency, fortunately showed its spinal strength, did not cave in or buckle under coercion. 

Times of India carried the obituary –
D'OCracy - D.E.M., beloved husband of T. Ruth, loving father of L.I. Bertie,
brother of Faith, Hope, Justicia, expired on June 26.
[It reads – “Democracy, beloved husband of Truth, Loving Father of Liberty,
Brother of Faith and Justice, Expired on June 26.”]
Indian Express carried a blank Editorial.
Financial Express responded in large type Rabindranath Tagore’s Poem “WHERE THE MIND IS WITHOUT FEAR,” the state's first citizen reminded the people and added, 'Media need to take note of these and act fearlessly.' 

Calling upon the youth to protect democracy, he said, 'It is time for us particularly our youth, to be warriors for protecting Democracy and strengthening it.  The youth have to lead from the front. Democracy has been earned through great sacrifices and it is too priceless to be compromised.'

He also said it was time for the people in the state to reflect on the scenario and "stark reality" that is written on the wall. Mr Dhankhar listed those as
a) State of Human Right Violations !
b) Freedom of Media !
c) Partisan Police Actions !
d) Extra Constitutional Authority remote control governance !

Analysis of these in the contemporary scenario in the state will be eye-opener, he said.  'I leave it to the best judgment of the people of the State and am sure they will not be silent spectators to dilution and devaluation of Democratic Values.  When it comes to protecting Democracy, the silent majority cannot afford to be silent as this stance will lead to it being silenced,' he elucidated.