Why is there need for greater political accountability, administrative transparency in West Bengal

By Harasankar Adhikari

‘Good governance’ is widely recognized as a key driver of development. It encompasses transparent, accountable, responsive, and participatory political and institutional processes. Effective governance is closely linked to the protection and promotion of human rights—civil, cultural, economic, political, and social. It further depends on four foundational pillars: democratic institutions, public service delivery, the rule of law, and anti-corruption measures.

Corruption is typically defined as “the abuse of public office for personal gain.” It may involve a wide range of unethical practices including bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, electoral manipulation, and misuse of public resources. Such conduct undermines trust in public institutions and weakens the democratic fabric.

West Bengal’s governance has come under scrutiny since the Trinamool Congress (TMC) came to power in 2011, ending 34 years of Left Front rule. Critics argue that the state has witnessed an increase in corruption-related allegations across various levels of government. They point to several high-profile cases, including alleged irregularities in public recruitment processes, misuse of central government scheme funds, and other scams involving political leaders and bureaucrats.

Despite initiatives like Duare Sarkar (government at your doorstep) and Paray Samadhan (community grievance redressal), which aim to make governance more accessible and responsive, skepticism remains about their underlying objectives. Detractors contend these programs are more focused on consolidating electoral support rather than ensuring transparency or accountability.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the integrity of the electoral process. Allegations include voter intimidation, manipulation of electoral rolls, and biased law enforcement practices. These concerns, if substantiated, raise serious questions about the health of democratic institutions in the state.

Legal proceedings, including those in the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court of India, have acknowledged instances of maladministration and corruption. Several party leaders face ongoing investigations and trials, reinforcing public perceptions of a governance crisis.

The cumulative effect of these developments has been a growing sense of disillusionment among sections of the population. Calls for greater political accountability and administrative transparency have intensified, reflecting a desire for systemic reform.

Addressing corruption in West Bengal—or in any democratic setup—requires more than punitive measures. It demands a sustained commitment to institutional integrity, judicial independence, and civic empowerment. Whether this can be achieved in the near future remains uncertain, but the demand for cleaner governance continues to resonate widely among the state's citizens.

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