Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to take center stage in West Bengal as he gears up to address public rallies in three crucial constituencies: Murshidabad, Maldah Uttar, and Darjeeling. These rallies hold significant importance as they precede the upcoming voting rounds in these areas.
Upcoming Voting Rounds and Recent Voter Turnout
Voting in Darjeeling is scheduled for April 26, while Murshidabad and Maldah Uttar will cast their votes on May 7. The recent voter turnout in the Coochbehar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri constituencies has been noteworthy, with a high participation rate recorded.
Alipurduar saw 75.54% turnout, Coochbehar 77.73%, and Jalpaiguri 79.33%, indicating a strong interest and engagement among the electorate.
Political Landscape in West Bengal
The political scenario in West Bengal is witnessing a significant transformation, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) making strides in a region long dominated by the Trinamool Congress (TMC). In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP secured victories in constituencies where TMC traditionally held sway, signaling a shifting power dynamic.
Historically, the Trinamool Congress has maintained a stronghold in West Bengal, winning 34 seats in the 2014 elections. However, the 2019 polls saw a decline in their seat count to 22, with BJP emerging as a formidable contender with 18 seats. This alteration in the political landscape has intensified competition between the two parties.
BJP’s Bid for Dominance
Buoyed by its success in the 2019 elections, BJP is fervently pursuing its ambition to overthrow TMC from its stronghold and establish itself as the preeminent political force in West Bengal. The upcoming elections serve as a crucial battleground where both parties seek to assert their political prowess and secure a favorable outcome.
While TMC is part of the INDIA bloc, it does not have a seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress and Left parties in West Bengal. This absence of collaboration underscores the complex political dynamics at play, further intensifying the electoral contest.
As West Bengal braces itself for successive rounds of voting on April 26, May 4, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, the stakes are high for both TMC and BJP.
The results, slated to be announced on June 4, will not only determine the composition of the state’s representation but also shape the future trajectory of its political landscape.
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