The upcoming polls in Bengal may see the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) struggling to gain ground due to its lack of presence in rural areas. In contrast, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has a strong network of party workers and a reputation for addressing local issues, making it a formidable opponent in the elections.
In a Rajbanshi village on the banks of the Jaldhaka River, residents expressed frustration with the TMC's handling of the floods that affected their community. However, when asked about the BJP, they couldn't name the MLA or MP from the party, highlighting the BJP's absence in the area.
Unlike the cities, where Hindu nationalism is a dominant theme, rural populations in Bengal are more concerned with local issues such as access to land, water, and basic necessities. The TMC's ability to address these needs has made it a strong contender in the elections.
In Kalyani constituency, the Hooghly River has been shifting at a rapid pace, displacing villages and affecting the livelihoods of farmers. The TMC has been active in slowing the river's movement, allowing some settlement on the banks. The party's presence and familiarity with the local population have given it a significant advantage.
While the BJP has launched a massive paramilitary deployment into West Bengal for the election, it remains to be seen if this will be enough to defeat the TMC. The BJP's lack of presence on the ground and its failure to address local issues may prove to be a major challenge in the upcoming polls.
