Kolkata, June 15: As the date for the rural Bengal panchayat polls approaches, the political landscape of the state is undergoing significant transformations. With a substantial electorate of approximately 5.67 crores set to elect representatives for nearly 74,000 seats across various governing bodies, these polls hold great significance.
This article explores the changing dynamics and key issues surrounding the upcoming panchayat polls in Bengal.
Rural Bengal’s Challenges: Unemployment and Rural Development
Rural Bengal is grappling with severe unemployment, which has only worsened over the years. The increasing number of educated unemployed individuals adds a new dimension to this issue. As political parties finalize their candidate lists and file nominations, concerns over rural development and depleting agricultural support have taken center stage. These concerns have become prominent topics of public discourse ahead of the panchayat polls.
History of Political Violence in Panchayat Polls
Historically, panchayat polls in Bengal have been marred by significant political violence and intimidation. In the previous election held in 2018, the ruling Trinamool Congress won a significant number of seats uncontested, leading to accusations of violence and hindrance to opposition parties. This allowed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to make significant gains in the state, becoming the main opposition party.
Impact of Corruption Allegations
The upcoming panchayat polls occur at a time when several senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress are facing investigations and custody in corruption cases conducted by central agencies such as the CBI and ED. This situation has created a challenging environment for the ruling party and opened doors for the opposition to consolidate support and challenge the TMC’s long-standing dominance in the state.
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Concerns Surrounding MGNREGS
The MGNREGS, a scheme promising 100 days of work, has faced obstacles in West Bengal due to fund freezes caused by irregularities and corruption charges. The state has discovered approximately 15 lakh fake job cards out of its 1.4 crore cardholders.
Such irregularities have affected the livelihoods of rural workers who heavily rely on the scheme. The issue of political interference and corruption in the implementation of MGNREGS has become a significant concern for the rural population.
Rural Migration and Lack of Employment Opportunities
Rural Bengal faces a growing trend of out-migration, predominantly male, due to high population density, low wages, landlessness, and a lack of employment opportunities. The closure of industries, such as the stone industry in the Bankura district, has further exacerbated the issue. Many impoverished individuals from rural areas are forced to accept lower wages and struggle to make ends meet.
Struggles in Agriculture and Farming Sector
A report by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) reveals that the average monthly income of a farming family in West Bengal is relatively low compared to other states.
Additionally, the state ranks 15th in terms of agricultural loans per hectare of land. The failure to support farmers adequately has resulted in distress, forcing them to sell crops at nominal prices to brokers who benefit from selling them to the government at higher rates.
Religion and Caste Politics in North Bengal
In North Bengal, which has emerged as a strong BJP stronghold, identity politics based on religion and caste, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), remain significant factors. Religious processions often draw larger crowds compared to rallies demanding payment for MGNREGS work.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP leaders in the region are confident that their sustained efforts will yield positive results in the upcoming panchayat polls.
Changing Voting Patterns
While the majority of the Muslim population in West Bengal has traditionally supported the Trinamool Congress, recent by-elections have shown signs of discontent.
In Sagardighi, a constituency with a significant Muslim population, the Trinamool Congress lost to a Left-backed Congress candidate. This shift in voting patterns suggests that the Muslim vote may no longer be a monolithic support base for a single party.
The upcoming panchayat polls in Bengal present a crucial opportunity for both the ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition parties to secure their positions ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The challenges of unemployment, rural distress, corruption allegations, and identity politics will shape the outcomes and provide insights into the changing dynamics of rural Bengal. These polls will undoubtedly be different from previous years and hold the potential to reshape the political landscape of the state.
