High-stakes contest sees Trinamool Congress and BJP harp on welfare promises amid allegations over voter list issues
KOLKATA — Campaigning in West Bengal has picked up pace as political parties prepare for the upcoming assembly polls, with voting scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
The contest is mainly between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), both treating the election as a crucial test of strength.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who came to power in 2011 after ending 34 years of Left Front rule, is seeking a fourth consecutive term. In contrast, the BJP, led nationally by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, is pushing hard to gain control of the state.
In the 2021 assembly elections, the BJP made major gains, increasing its tally from 3 to 77 seats. However, the Trinamool Congress secured a strong victory with 215 seats and 48.5 per cent vote share, allowing Mamata Banerjee to retain power.
A senior TMC leader said, “People of Bengal have repeatedly trusted Mamata Banerjee because of her welfare work and connection with the ground.”
A BJP spokesperson, however, said, “This election is about change. The people want development and a new direction.”
According to the Election Commission of India, more than 30 million voters are eligible to vote in the first phase alone. Women voters form a large share of the electorate, and their participation is expected to be a key factor.
Across both phases, the number of women voters is close to that of men, making them a decisive factor. Political parties have, therefore, focused heavily on schemes and promises aimed at women.
The BJP has criticised the Trinamool Congress on issues related to women’s representation, while also announcing several benefits for women in its manifesto.
In response, Mamata Banerjee has highlighted her government’s schemes, including the Lakshmi Bhandar programme. “We have supported women financially and socially, and we will continue to do so,” she said at a recent rally.
Alongside women voters, Muslim voters are also seen as an important group in the election. Out of 294 assembly seats, around 125 are considered to have a significant Muslim voter presence.
A local community leader said, “Muslim voters are watching closely. They want security, representation, and development.”
The Trinamool Congress has alleged that names of Muslim voters were removed from electoral rolls during revisions, an accusation that has added to political tension.
A party representative said, “We believe many genuine voters have been left out. This needs to be corrected immediately.”
Meanwhile, parties such as All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and smaller regional groups are also trying to attract Muslim voters, which could influence outcomes in several constituencies.
The election campaign has largely turned into a direct contest between Narendra Modi and Mamata Banerjee, with both sides relying on strong leadership appeal.
A political analyst said, “This election has become very personalised. Voters are being asked to choose between two strong leaders.”
The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front and the Congress have had a limited presence in the campaign so far.
As campaigning continues, all eyes are now on how women and Muslim voters will respond, as their choices are likely to play a key role in deciding who forms the next government in West Bengal.
