The landslide victory that defied the polls in West Bengal
In short: In 2021, political analysts predicted a razor-thin contest for West Bengal. Instead, Mamata Banerjee’s All India Trinamool Congress secured a massive victory, fundamentally altering the state's political landscape and leaving traditional powerhouses without a single seat in the assembly.
The 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, conducted in eight phases between 27 March and 29 April 2021, resulted in a landslide for the incumbent All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). While opinion polls suggested a close race against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the AITC maintained its dominance. The BJP emerged as the official opposition with 77 seats, marking a significant shift as they overtook the Left Front as the primary opposition force in the state.
The election was marked by intense volatility and complex socio-political drivers. The rise of the BJP was fueled by religious polarization, particularly in border districts, and the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Conversely, the AITC faced scrutiny over allegations of corruption, mismanagement of Cyclone Amphan relief in May 2020, and the rising influence of Abhishek Banerjee. The political climate was further strained by high-profile defections, such as Suvendu Adhikari, a former AITC cabinet minister who joined the BJP.
The electoral process faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Election Commission of India (ECI) had to implement strict health guidelines, including thermal scanners and reduced voter limits per station from 1500 to 1000. To manage the surge in infections, the ECI eventually banned roadshows and large public meetings. The aftermath of the election was also marred by post-poll violence, which led to fatalities and the displacement of many families from the state.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election
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