Trinamool vs BJP: A Two-Sided Battle in Bengal's 2024 Lok Sabha Polls

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bengal were nothing short of a political spectacle, dominated by the fierce rivalry between Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While the political landscape of Bengal has historically been a multi-faceted contest, this election saw a clear two-sided fight, sidelining other significant players like Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM).

Despite their best efforts, Congress and CPM struggled to make a substantial impact. In a noteworthy turn of events, Muhammad Salim of CPIM emerged as the 'second boy' in Murshidabad, securing 5 lakh 17 thousand votes out of the approximately 33 lakh votes that CPIM garnered statewide.

In Kolkata, the Congress and CPIM's inability to secure significant victories was starkly evident. Congress managed to retain the Malda South seat, thanks to Isha Khan Chowdhury, who upheld the legacy of his predecessor. However, this success was a rare bright spot in an otherwise bleak performance for the party.

Alimuddin Street, the headquarters of the CPIM, had placed their hopes on several young candidates this time around. Despite this fresh approach, candidates like Srijan Bhattacharya from Jadavpur and Dipsita Dhar from Srirampur fell short of making a mark. Similarly, Pratik-ur-Rahman from Diamond Harbour and Sefer Sardar from Basirhat could not sway the electorate in their favor.

Interestingly, the Indian Secular Front (ISF), which contested in alliance with the Left, managed to secure third place in several constituencies including Basirhat, Jayanagar, Mathurapur, and Barasat. However, their performance was not enough to significantly alter the political equations in these regions.

In a candid admission, Muhammad Salim acknowledged the challenges faced by his party, stating, “Maybe our shoulders are not that wide. Otherwise, people did not burden us as much as I thought they would. Or could not rely entirely on our shoulders. Many things can happen. Talk will come out through discussion. Let's work together in ten, lose, win, and not be ashamed."

The Left-Congress alliance, despite its best efforts, failed to create a significant dent in the Trinamool's dominance. In Raiganj, Trinamool's Krishna Kalyani lost by 67 thousand votes, while Congress's Ali Imran Ramj managed to secure 2 lakh 62 thousand votes. In Malda North, Trinamool's Prasoon Banerjee faced a setback, losing by 76 thousand votes, with Congress's Alam Mostak winning 3 lakh 82 thousand votes.

During the campaign, Mamata Banerjee, the leader of Trinamool, had vociferously criticized the Congress and CPM candidates, accusing them of indirectly aiding the BJP by splitting the vote. She stated, “The one standing here from Congress is the eye of BJP. And the eyes of the CPM. They stand at the polls, knowing they are not winning. However, BJP can be won by splitting the vote among Muslims.”

Post-election, Mamata continued her criticism, placing the blame on the Left, Congress, and ISF for what she perceived as their role in bolstering BJP's chances. She remarked, "Congress and CPM here support BJP. Another Muslim party was born. I will tell them not to break the next journey by cutting their noses. What is the benefit of increasing this seat of BJP in North Dinajpur? If BJP loses this seat, BJP would lose two votes.”

Conclusion

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bengal highlighted a clear polarization between Trinamool and BJP, leaving little room for other parties to maneuver. Despite a spirited campaign, Congress and CPIM could not break through the stronghold of the two dominant parties. The results underscore the evolving political dynamics in Bengal and the challenges that smaller parties face in making a significant impact. As Bengal continues to be a critical battleground in Indian politics, the coming years will undoubtedly see more intense political maneuvering and realignments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What were the main takeaways from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bengal?

The elections underscored a two-sided contest between Trinamool Congress and BJP, with Congress and CPIM struggling to make a significant impact.

2. Who was the notable performer from CPIM in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections?

Muhammad Salim emerged as a notable performer, securing a significant number of votes in Murshidabad.

3. How did Congress fare in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bengal?

Congress managed to retain the Malda South seat but overall struggled to make a significant impact, securing only a few notable wins.

4. What was Mamata Banerjee's stance during the election campaign?

Mamata Banerjee criticized Congress and CPIM, accusing them of indirectly aiding BJP by splitting the vote.

5. What are the implications of the 2024 Lok Sabha election results for Bengal's political landscape?

The results indicate a continuing dominance of Trinamool and BJP, with smaller parties like Congress and CPIM finding it challenging to break through.