Kolkata, 26 April (H.S.): Ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, a civic discussion organised by the Churu Nagarik Parishad in Bhawanipur on Sunday brought political issues and the theme of “change” to the forefront. The event was attended by former Rajasthan minister Rajendra Singh Rathore and senior political figure Shishir Bajoria as key speakers. Members of the organisation welcomed the guests with floral greetings at the start of the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Rajendra Singh Rathore stressed the need for political change in West Bengal, drawing parallels with the 2011 Assembly elections. He claimed that the people of the state are ready to respond against what he termed “15 years of misgovernance” and expressed confidence that a change in power is imminent. He also referred to recent political developments, suggesting that public sentiment is shifting against the ruling dispensation.

Rathore further stated that the relatively peaceful polling in the first phase, barring a few incidents, reflected the people’s willingness to participate freely in the democratic process. He alleged that growing public dissatisfaction with the current government has become increasingly visible in recent events.

Echoing similar views, Shishir Bajoria criticised the state government and said that the responsibility for bringing change now rests with the people. He expressed hope that voters would be able to exercise their franchise peacefully in the upcoming phase and urged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process.

Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of free and fair elections and underlined the role of voters in strengthening democracy. The discussion comes at a crucial time as political activity intensifies across the state ahead of the next phase of polling.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey