বাংলায় রাজনৈতিক সহিংসতার ইতিহাস : রাজনৈতিক সংস্কৃতি, ক্ষমতার রাজনীতি এবং সামাজিক রূপান্তরের প্রেক্ষিতে একটি বিশ্লেষণ/ History of Political Violence in Bengal : Political Culture, Power Contestation and Social Transformation

Abstract

Political violence has been a recurring feature in the political history of Bengal, appearing in different historical contexts and political transitions. From revolutionary nationalist violence during the colonial period to the communal riots of 1946–47, the Naxalbari uprising of 1967, rural political conflicts during the Left Front regime (1977–2011), and electoral violence in contemporary West Bengal, these developments reflect the competitive and mass-based character of the region’s political culture. This paper examines the historical continuity, causes, patterns, and socio-political impact of political violence in Bengal. It aims to analyze how political competition, socio-economic inequalities, ideological divisions, and changes in rural power structures have shaped the persistence of such violence.

         The study follows a qualitative historical methodology, combining historical analysis with insights from political sociology. It is primarily based on secondary sources including scholarly books, academic articles, and theoretical literature. The research also uses theoretical perspectives such as Relative Deprivation Theory and Resource Mobilization Theory to explain how grievances and organizational strength contribute to political violence. The findings suggest that political violence in Bengal is structurally connected with grassroots political mobilization, cadre-based party structures, and competition over local institutions and resources. The study also finds that such violence often intensifies during periods of political transition and closely contested elections.

          The paper concludes that political violence should be understood as a historically evolved political behaviour rather than merely a law-and-order issue. Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring administrative neutrality, promoting political tolerance, and expanding civic education are essential for reducing violence and strengthening democratic political culture.