Trinamool Congress (TCB) chief Mamata Banerjee was sworn in as the chief minister for the third successive term today following her win in the recent West Bengal assembly elections. The oath-taking ceremony was conducted at Raj Bhavan, being organised keeping in view the special Coronavirus protocol (Covid 19).

“I take full responsibility for the welfare of the state and its people, and I promise to work diligently to restore, protect and defend the rights guaranteed in the Constitution and to protect the interests of all sections of society irrespective of religion, caste or sex,” said the TMC chairperson. “The people of Bengal have entrusted me with the responsibility of leading them and preserving their communal and economic riches so that they can live in freedom and peace.” “I also undertake to protect the interest of women and ensure that their position is not discriminated against,” she added.

West Bengal has seen a lot of turbulence since the polls. Following the announcement of the polls, Mamata Banerjee immediately issued a statement that termed the announcement a “coup” and demanded the arrest of the governor. Later in the evening, however, she clarified that she was not in any way taking responsibility for the conduct of the government. “The chief minister has been maintaining a level-headed approach and is prepared to maintain the integrity of the state. We cannot allow anyone to attack the chief minister,” she said.

While campaigning for the poll, Mamata Banerjee had promised that the entire political party which she leads will follow her example. If elected, she has promised to work coolly with all parties to achieve the desired results. She has also insisted that she is above the political fray and that she will only participate in the development of the state on her terms. Her chief mamata Banerjee told reporters after the polls had ended that she will form a cabinet that will include members from all party lists. However, sources in the ruling TMC have told Frontline that the selection of the cabinets that are to be formed will be based on patronage. The CM has not revealed who will head the CMs’ panel that will hand over portfolios to the ministers.

Although the first phase of the elections saw a dip in the voter turnout, the second phase has given the party an extraordinary boost. Earlier, before polls were conducted, polls indicated that Mamata Banerjee’s party would bag more seats than the ruling TMC. However, as polls started getting underway, the tide turned against the CM and she saw her vote share fall below the required margin. On being asked why the low-key ceremony was held as the votive ceremony for the election campaign, Mamata Banerjee resorted to her trademark jargon, “followers do not have eyes” to explain her reasoning. Later on in the day, she clarified that her low-key ceremony is meant to impress followers that she is still the CM. This is essentially meant to curb criticism from opposition parties and citizens.

The low-key affair, however, didn’t end there. Days later, while addressing a press conference, Mamata Banerjee again addressed the issue and explained that while she had taken an oath of allegiance to the President, her allegiance to the PM was stronger. The low-key approach is, perhaps, meant to quell any talk of possible contesting in future. However, some civic leaders and party members have questioned the wisdom of holding such an oath-taking Ceremony.

Amidst all the hullabaloo, there is one question that is being overlooked. Why has Mamata Banerjee opted to make an oath of office in the presence of armed forces personnel? In essence, this question goes to the very root of the reason why she has decided to form a government in the first place. Since Bengal is one of India’s most perennially plagued by political violence, the presence of soldiers at the ceremony is only telling that political violence will continue to be a part of her rule. For someone who wants to bring an inclusive and peaceful government to Bengal, this is akin to saying that you will appease the military if you want to gain power.

What is lacking in Mamata Banerjee’s government is the will to engage with the people. At every turn, she has promised the Bangus revolution and then went on to project her government as the savior of Bengalis. But to see that she has not actually done any meaningful work in alleviating poverty and ensuring that the poor are given a chance to lead their lives free from corruption and nepotism, we can understand that her intention to form a cabinet is hollow. Instead of instituting reforms that will improve the conditions of the poor and increase living standards, she is likely to continue on her present course. While she may be able to win political popularity in the short-term, the impact of her failure to deliver genuine social change will be felt by future generations in Bengal.

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