In Siliguri and Dabgram-Fulbari, two constituencies in northern Bengal, the upcoming assembly elections have become fiercely contested battlegrounds. The campaigns are focused on development, identity, and law and order, with narratives clashing head-on.
As the assembly elections on April 23 and 29 approach, the political atmosphere in this strategically important gateway to the Northeast is intensifying. Both parties are aggressively vying for control.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is trying to regain ground lost to the BJP, a task made more challenging by the BJP's strong performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where it significantly widened its lead over Mamata Banerjee's party.
The BJP is fielding its key candidates, Sankar Ghosh in Siliguri and Sikha Chatterjee in Dabgram-Fulbari, focusing on continuity and addressing alleged governance shortcomings.
The TMC, on the other hand, has reshuffled its candidate lineup, moving Gautam Deb from Dabgram-Fulbari to Siliguri to contest the urban seat.
However, the focus is shifting to emotional and outrage-driven narratives. The recent death of a teenage girl has sparked a political storm.
Ghosh has questioned the safety of people in the city under Deb's leadership and accused him of administrative neglect, claiming that Deb visited the bereaved family about 36 hours after the incident.
He demanded the arrest of a private tutor whom the BJP alleges was responsible for the girl's death.
He also pointed out that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not address the issue during her public meetings in constituencies near Siliguri.
Deb has attempted to counter this by blending development messaging with Hindutva rhetoric.
His participation in Ram Navami celebrations and chants of "Jai Shri Ram" are aimed at connecting with Siliguri's large Hindu electorate, while also criticizing the BJP's divisive politics.
Deb has also accused the BJP of exploiting polarization and promoting demands for the division of West Bengal.
He claims that the BJP's primary goal is to gain political advantage from a "conspiracy" to create a separate state comprising the districts of Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling.
He stated that the BJP provides support to those promoting divisive tactics to divide the state during elections.
Deb also alleges that the BJP is not prioritizing development and aims to disrupt the state's progress. He is focusing on door-to-door campaigns in the constituency to showcase development work undertaken during his tenure.
Locals emphasize the importance of development and law and order.
"Siliguri has seen significant growth, but the real challenges remain in ensuring civic facilities and lawful construction to facilitate planned development," he told