"But Bengal has had a history of political violence. Has it become worse? Kolkata-based journalist Jaideep Mazumdar says it has. ‘Political violence in Bengal has always been high. Violence against women has also been so. That is because of politicization of the police force, right since the reign of Siddhartha Shankar Ray (chief minister of West Bengal, 1972–77). The CPM, being a cadre-based party, managed it well. There would be horrific incidents but the party’s local committee secretaries would ensure that the chaos was somehow managed. The problem with Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress is, it is disorganized and faction ridden. Hence Bengal is worse off now.’"