Politics Abhors a Vacuum: West Bengal Heats Up Ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, West Bengal has emerged as a key battleground. The once-dominant Left and Congress have faded into insignificance, leaving the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to slug it out for supremacy.
During a recent visit to the state, the author noticed a palpable surge in political activity. The BJP, once a marginal player, has gained significant ground, with its supporters openly displaying their Hindu faith. The author witnessed saffron flags fluttering alongside TMC’s trademark blue, while tempos carried young people chanting slogans in support of Lord Ram.
In Midnapore and Kharagpur, many people expressed their belief that the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be a close contest between the BJP and the TMC. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won the Midnapore seat with a comfortable margin, and is fielding Agnimitra Paul this time. The author observed a similar level of enthusiasm in the outskirts of Kolkata, where trucks and lorries adorned with Ram Lalla idols were greeted with singing and dancing.
Mamata Banerjee’s Strengths
Despite the BJP’s growing presence, Mamata Banerjee remains a formidable force in West Bengal. Her charisma and popularity continue to resonate with the electorate. Additionally, the TMC has a strong grassroots presence, particularly in rural areas, where violence often lurks, providing the party with an advantage.
The author’s observations late one evening in Kolkata further highlighted the importance of the Muslim vote in the state. Tens of thousands of Muslim men and women thronged the streets after breaking their Roza, their presence a testament to their support for Mamata Banerjee. With the Congress and Left in decline, Muslims are backing the TMC en masse to keep the BJP at bay.
Challenges and Potential Pitfalls
While Mamata Banerjee enjoys several strengths, she also faces challenges. The BJP’s aggressive Hindutva campaign could potentially polarize Hindu votes, a development that could harm her chances. Additionally, the violent tactics employed by some TMC workers have demoralized the party cadre.
Conclusion
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal promise to be a fiercely contested affair. The TMC and the BJP are well-matched, and the outcome will likely hinge on factors such as the strength of the Hindutva campaign, the effectiveness of the TMC’s booth-level organization, and the behavior of TMC workers. Mamata Banerjee remains a formidable force, but the BJP is breathing down her neck, and the battle for West Bengal is far from over.
