There is a direct contest between TMC and BJP in Bengal. The strength of TMC is Mamata Banerjee, but there are allegations of corruption. BJP is dependent on Modi, but the local leadership is weak. Congress and CPM are struggling to regain their lost ground.
Strength: The popularity of CM Mamata Banerjee is the biggest strength of the party. The organization of the party is very strong at the grassroots level. The party has a huge army of workers. The party has power in local institutions like Panchayat and Municipality. The government’s welfare schemes and success in creating public opinion against SIR are also in the party’s favor.
Weakness: There is an anti-incumbency wave against the government. There is anger among the people against the allegations of corruption and local leaders. The government is also accused of failing to solve the real problems of the state. There is also concern about factionalism within the party and a dent in the party’s vote bank during the SIR dispute.
Occasions: You may get benefit from SIR dispute. People from weaker sections who benefit from welfare schemes can support Mamata government.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Strength: It is the biggest and direct challenger of TMC in the state. Prime Minister Modi’s popularity is the biggest plus point for the party. Has succeeded in creating a wave of Hindutva in the state. A strong campaign has been launched by raising voice against government corruption and poor law and order. It has also been successful in making a dent in the vote bank of Left and Congress.
Weakness: There is too much dependence on external leaders for publicity. Central leaders including Modi are the star campaigners for BJP. Confusion over SIR can harm BJP. There is internal discord in the party. The organization at the grassroots level is not that strong. There is a lack of any big local leader to compete with the stature of Mamata Banerjee.
Occasions: Can take advantage of the anti-incumbency wave. Can capitalize on issues like corruption, law and order and lack of development. By entering the field with collective leadership, Mamata can counter Banerjee’s charisma.
Congress
Strength: Despite not winning a single seat in 2021, Congress still has influence in Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia and some other areas of north-central Bengal.
Weakness: Due to anti-party activities, factionalism and lack of organization, the party has lost its existence in many districts. Despite consecutive defeats, the party has not learned any lesson yet.
Occasions: This time it has been decided to contest the elections alone, which can help in re-establishing the party organization. Congress can present itself as a third option on many seats.
Marxist Communist Party (CPM)
Strength: Allegations of corruption against TMC and division on the basis of religion have created an atmosphere against it. Most of the party leaders have an image of simplicity and honesty, which is liked by the common people. School job scam and R.G. There have been protests and dharnas across the state in the rape-murder case of a Kar Medical College student.
Weakness: The party did not get the benefit of protests and dharnas in the last elections. The vote share which was 39% in 2011 has now come down to 4.73%. The organization of the party is weak and there is a lack of popular leaders. It has failed to attract the youth towards itself.
Occasions: Contested alone in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and secured 5.73% votes. The vote share has increased compared to 2021, which has given some hope to the party.
challenge: This time she is contesting the elections alone without the support of Congress. The party’s proximity to TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, who came into controversy after laying the foundation of a mosque like Babri Masjid in Murshidabad, may prove costly.
7 biggest issues of Bengal elections
– Dispute between the government and the opposition regarding the improvement in the special voter list.
– Inability to control infiltration of illegal immigrants
– Opposition’s allegations of corruption against TMC government
– Scam of recruitment of more than 25,000 school teachers
– Communal tension and controversy over religious politics in the state
– Increasing incidents of attacks, harassment and trafficking in the state
– R.G. Rape incidents in car and law college