Introduction
In the latest electoral contest, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength in South Kolkata. With Mala Roy at the helm, the party has not only maintained its dominance but also significantly increased its winning margin, reinforcing the security of Mamata Banerjee’s stronghold.
Mala Roy’s Impressive Victory Margin
In the 2019 elections, Mala Roy, the TMC candidate from South Kolkata, triumphed with a lead of 155,192 votes. This year, she has amplified this margin to 187,231 votes, marking a substantial improvement and a testament to her enduring popularity and the effective campaign strategies employed by the TMC.
Enhanced Performance Across Constituency Segments
The TMC’s success is not limited to overall numbers; it is reflected across all seven assembly segments within South Kolkata. In Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Bhabanipur assembly segment, the TMC increased its lead from 3,168 votes in 2019 to 8,297 votes this year. Similarly, Mayor Firhad Hakim’s lead in his assembly segment grew from 36,239 votes in 2019 to 42,893 votes.
Notable Gains in Key Areas
Minister Javed Khan’s Kasba assembly segment also witnessed a remarkable increase in the lead, from 34,641 votes in the last general election to 46,850 votes. The Rasbehari segment, previously a BJP stronghold with a lead of approximately 5,500 votes in 2019, has now been reclaimed by the TMC with a victory margin of 1,691 votes.
Strategic Wins and Future Challenges
In the former assembly constituency of Mayor Sovan Chatterjee, Behala East, Mala Roy is currently leading by 15,226 votes, though this is a slight decrease from her 2019 lead of 15,858 votes. Despite this minor dip, the overall positive results have bolstered TMC’s morale. However, senior TMC leaders acknowledge the need to address certain shortcomings before the 2026 assembly elections to ensure continued success.
Analysis of Voting Patterns
Based on the 2021 assembly election results, the margins have decreased in three segments within South Kolkata: Firhad Hakim’s Port constituency, Bhabanipur, Kasba, and Behala West. This decrease is attributed to the higher voter turnout during the assembly elections, which was driven by the stakes involved in forming the state government. In contrast, the general elections, which decide the central government, tend to see slightly lower voter turnout.
Moving Forward: Strategic Preparations
While the TMC leads in seven out of the eight assembly segments in South Kolkata, there is a consensus within the party against complacency. Strategic measures and early preparations are deemed crucial, particularly in Behala West, where it is anticipated that Partha Chatterjee will not receive another ticket. Identifying and grooming an alternative candidate is considered essential to mend electoral vulnerabilities and secure future victories.
The recent electoral performance of the Trinamool Congress in South Kolkata signifies a strong and strategic hold on the region. With an increased winning margin and notable gains across key areas, the TMC has fortified its position. However, acknowledging areas for improvement and preparing strategically for future elections will be pivotal in maintaining this momentum.
Supriya Karia