Amidst the political battleground of Kolkata, Sandeshkhali emerged as the epicenter of contentious debates. Bengal’s law and order landscape faced severe criticism, while the unfolding scandal surrounding the school service commission placed the ruling authority in a precarious position. Simultaneously, the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) promised legal recognition to the multitude who sought refuge within the state’s borders over the years.
Yet, as the electronic voting machines were unveiled, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee’s countenance only broadened. Against the backdrop of the setting sun along the Hooghly River, Mamata, accompanied by her nephew Abhishek Bandopadhyay, asserted that the Prime Minister should acknowledge moral defeat and step down.
Despite exit polls favoring the BJP with over 20 seats in Bengal, Mamata Banerjee stood as the barrier between projections and actuality. Remarkably, the tide turned in favor of the Trinamool Congress, poised to secure victories in approximately 29 out of West Bengal’s 42 seats, leaving only 12 for the BJP and one for the Congress.
Concurrently, Abhishek Banerjee solidified his unwavering position within the Trinamool Congress as its national general secretary. From strategic planning to organizational decisions, Abhishek’s influence permeated every facet of the party’s operations.
Not only did he imprint his mark on the party, which was previously divided between factions aligned with Mamata Banerjee and those loyal to Abhishek, but he also delivered on his promises. Following the sixth phase of elections, Abhishek confidently declared, “Even if the world turns topsy-turvy, we will secure at least 23 seats.” The results affirm his foresight.
Throughout the campaign’s 77-day duration, Mamata targeted the Modi-Shah alliance, while Abhishek championed the welfare initiatives pioneered by the Mamata Banerjee government. The transformative Lakshmir Bhandar scheme for women proved instrumental, alongside allegations that the BJP obstructed state funds meant for employment and housing schemes. The results validate their strategies.
The Trinamool deftly addressed the challenges in Sandeshkhali, securing victory in the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency and triumphing over the BJP in the Sandeshkhali Assembly segment.
Preliminary data suggests that the Trinamool garnered approximately 46% of votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bengal, positioning itself as the fourth-largest party in the lower house of Parliament. Conversely, the BJP faces the arduous task of regrouping in Bengal following a reduction in its tally from 18 to 12 seats, with the impending Assembly polls adding to the challenge.