Elected autocracy unearthed

The coinage elected autocracy has become widespread for last couple of decades. Indeed, it is a subset of authoritarian regime. The world has witnessed a host of authoritarian leaders over the centuries. The array contains of Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Benito Mussolini and many others. Hence, can the name of Mamata Banerjee be included in the list?

Similarly, If we turn to elected autocracy the list glitters with the name of Donald Triumph, Narendra Modi or Indira Gandhi. Above all, They all had stormed into the power with overwhelming electoral mandates. Slowly but inevitably, they thoroughly undermined the administrative bodies to impose their authoritarianism. On the other hand, we can turn to Mamata Banerjee as a classical example.

If we look at the Triumph administration, his whimsical attitude regarding every sphere has annoyed the Americans itself.

Furthermore, his international and bilateral policies have been blatantly criticized in the country itself.  Till now, we have watched the extraordinary “No Kings” movements. We don’t know where, how and when it will end.

Exhibition of elected autocracy by Sheikh Hasina

Brushing asides controversies of the death penalty of Sheikh Hasina, we can unhesitatingly say that she had started dictatorship.

Nevertheless, her parliament has overturned a 15-year-old requirement that general elections are overseen by non-partisan caretaker governments in 2011.

Bangladesh has noticed the high level of Concentration of Prime Ministerial Power during her regime. Similarly, her tendency toward suppressing rights and institutions, and tolerating no voice of descent, has left a dark mark on history. It’s really unfortunate that she has faced a death penalty today, but if she introspects, she remains solely responsible to arrive at such a bizarre stage. As a result of the reservation policy, the mass students have stormed the street in furious protest. And, the subsequent result has become a history. But the No Kings movement in America can be compared as a miniature version of the same. While it’s hard to forget Sheikh Hasina’s sweeping victory in 1996.

Mamata Banerjee – Elected Autocracy to authoritarianism

In addition, the history repeats itself. Thus, if we turn to Mamata Banerjee and West Bengal, perhaps the most significant example of elected autocracy. In contrast, one finds it difficult to overlook the fact that she assumed office in 2011 backed by a decisive majority. Furthermore, her overwhelming popularity had raised glimpses of hopes among Bengalis. This is equally important that her solemn assurance to restore democracy stirred the state of West Bengal.

Ironically, not a single election held since 2011 has been free and fair. Conversely, they all have been marred by rampant rigging, booth capturing, bloodshed, intimidation of the opposition, and other illegalities. Additionally, this pattern of misconduct has consistently spread across all polls, from Panchayat to Assembly and even general elections.

Furthermore, there are even claims that her administration deliberately kept central forces inactive. Moreover, her desperation to No-opposition politics often forces the oppositions to go to the court even for the permission of a demonstration. Instead of offering a level playing ground, as a part of elected autocracy, Mamata Banerjee has rather squeezed the space for opposition politics.

Mamata Banerjee and her administration

Moreover, the entire administration has started behaving like party cadres and they hardly enjoy any independence. Whether its civil administration or autonomous educational organizations, they all operate entirely at the Chief Minister’s beck and call. Such weak governance encourages even minor leaders to demonstrate their power.

We have seen a host of institutional corruptions, molestations, murder, and all sort of calamities without a doubt. Subsequently, she has involved her administration for an unnecessary massive fight with Election Commission, in the recent past. Therefore, her anger was exploding with every harsh word she spoke. Most importantly, Manoj Panth received a summon and they had to toe to the line of Election Commission. So, her overwhelming popularity of 2011 has hit the rock bottom in 2025.

Mamata Banerjee is just one example of elected autocracy among the galaxy of authoritarian leaders. Unfortunately, West Bengal remains as a tranquil, tolerant, silent spectator.