Key Bengal constituencies likely to see a tough contest

With the Assembly election scheduled next month in West Bengal, there are some constituencies that might play a decisive role in shaping up the state’s leadership for the next five years.

Bhabanipur, the South Kolkata constituency tops the list as West Bengal Chief Minister is not only contesting from this seat but belongs to this constituency also.

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Considered as the den for the Trinamul Congress, Banerjee earlier won two bypolls as well as a full-term Assembly election, but the contest has become more intriguing with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari entering the fray.

However, the recent electoral roll revisions and voter deletions have introduced an element of uncertainty, potentially making the contest more competitive than in previous elections.

Nandigram, a rural constituency in East Midnapore district which played a pivotal role in the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement and overthrowing the Left Front government, saw a high-profile clash in 2021 when BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defeated Banerjee.

This year, however, Adhikari is contesting on a second seat in Nandigram along with Bhawanipore. In Nandigram, he is pitted against his ex-aide, Pabitra Kar.

In North 24-Parganas, Sandeshkhali remains a sensitive seat, with issues surrounding women’s safety and past controversies continuing to resonate in political campaigns.

Similarly, Bhangar stands out as a rare constituency where the TMC faces a strong challenge from the Indian Secular Front (ISF), led by Nawsad Siddique, making it a crucial test for the ruling party.

In 2021, despite the Trinamul Congress securing a sweeping victory across the state, it failed to win Bhangar, which was captured by Siddique, and it now remains to be seen whether the party can reclaim the seat.

Urban seats like Kolkata Port and Baruipur Paschim continue to be important for their demographic diversity and shifting opposition dynamics, while Asansol Dakshin reflects political trends in the industrial belt.

Considered a key urban constituency, Kolkata Port, located along the Hooghly river, has a dense population and a sizeable minority electorate. Represented by TMC’s Firhad Hakim since his comfortable 2021 win, the seat remains a party stronghold despite persistent opposition efforts.

Represented by Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee since 2011, Baruipur Paschim has remained a TMC bastion. However, shifting trends indicate a rising challenge from the BJP and CPI-M, with the BJP securing nearly 28 per cent votes in 2021 amid a gradually expanding opposition base.

Another key urban constituency, Ballygunge, is set to witness a closely watched contest, shaped by its socially diverse electorate and recent shifts within the Trinamul Congress (TMC).

The ruling party has fielded veteran leader Sovondeb Chattopadhyay, who is aiming for a remarkable 10th consecutive electoral victory. Chattopadhyay will take on a comparatively new BJP candidate Satarupa.

Two constituencies voting in the early phase ~ Kharagpur Sadar and Tamluk ~ are also drawing considerable attention for distinct reasons.

Kharagpur Sadar is significant due to its history of political swings between the BJP and TMC.

Once regarded as a saffron stronghold under former MP Dilip Ghosh, the seat has witnessed closely fought contests in recent elections.

However, this time, Ghosh who is contesting from his Kharagpur Sadar seat replacing sitting BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee, will give BJP a subtle advantage in this East Midnapore seat.

Tamluk, on the other hand, is politically sensitive due to the influence of the powerful Adhikari family, which has played a major role in shaping politics in East Midnapore.

As a result, Tamluk is expected to witness an intense contest, with its outcome carrying symbolic and strategic importance for both sides.

Meanwhile, the border constituency Gaighata remains significant due to the influence of the Matua community, with citizenship and refugee-related issues likely to shape voting patterns, while Samserganj has gained prominence following recent unrest, adding to political tensions in a minority-dominated district.

In North Bengal, Dinhata continues to be a key battleground between the TMC and BJP, marked by a sizable Scheduled Tribe electorate and a history of closely fought contests.

As the electoral battle unfolds, these constituencies together reflect the diverse political, social and regional dynamics of West Bengal, and their outcomes could collectively determine the direction of the state’s next government.