Lines at a polling booth in Bengal.
Lines at a polling booth in Bengal.

Voting is underway today for 152 assembly seats in West Bengal. The first phase of voting alone will set the tone for the election results day across five states. Even though the second phase of voting is still pending, today’s seats will send a message to both major parties about what the outcome on May 4 will look like. Both the BJP and TMC have put in full effort. The BJP will be watching today’s voting with great hope. There is a reason for this. Today’s seats cover areas including North Bengal, where the BJP performed exceptionally well in the last election.

Yes, the BJP won 59 of these seats in the 2021 election. Out of the 152 seats, the TMC got 93 seats last time. The BJP will aim to push its seat count close to 100, while the TMC will try to recover from the setback of the last election. The BJP’s influence in these seats began to grow after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Key seats today

A total of 1,478 candidates are in the fray today, and 3.60 crore voters will line up to cast their votes. Voting is also taking place in Jangalmahal and Matua Garh today. The main areas where voting is happening today include Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, Birbhum, and Murshidabad seats.

Last time, Suvendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee, so this time he is unofficially considered a candidate for the CM post. However, the BJP has not officially declared a CM candidate. This election is also about the public’s trust in Modi’s guarantees against Mamata’s Lakshmi Bhandar scheme.

TMC’s strategy in the first phase

The TMC relies on Mamata’s welfare image, support from Muslim votes in Malda and Murshidabad, and the ground network of workers. However, Mamata also faces an anti-incumbency wave and internal discontent. Much will depend on how the BJP can turn the anti-incumbency wave into votes in its favor.

West Bengal

West Bengal, located in eastern India, is a culturally rich state renowned for its history as the epicenter of the Bengali Renaissance and the Indian independence movement, with Kolkata serving as its capital. The region was once part of the Bengal Presidency under British rule and was partitioned in 1947 during India’s independence, leading to the creation of West Bengal as a separate state. It is famous for its diverse heritage, including the Sundarbans mangrove forest, the Darjeeling Himalayan railway, and vibrant festivals like Durga Puja.

North Bengal

North Bengal is a region in eastern India, comprising the northern part of the state of West Bengal and known for its stunning Himalayan foothills, dense forests, and tea plantations. Historically, it was part of the ancient kingdoms of Kamarupa and the Bengal Sultanate, later coming under British colonial rule, which developed its renowned Darjeeling tea industry. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, home to hill stations like Darjeeling and Kalimpong, as well as wildlife reserves such as the Sundarbans.

Bengal

Bengal is a historical region in South Asia, now divided between the Indian state of West Bengal and the country of Bangladesh. Known for its rich cultural heritage, it was a major center of trade, literature, and art, flourishing under the Mughal Empire and later the British Raj. The region’s history includes the Bengal Renaissance in the 19th century and its pivotal role in the Indian independence movement and the formation of Bangladesh in 1971.

Jangalmahal

Jangalmahal is a historical region in the Indian state of West Bengal, encompassing the forested and hilly areas of the districts of Bankura, Purulia, and West Midnapore. Known for its rich tribal culture and dense forests, the area has a history of resistance against colonial rule, notably the Chuar and Santhal rebellions. Today, it is recognized for its unique cultural heritage, including traditional folk music, dance, and the worship of local deities.

Matua Garh

Matua Garh is a historic fort located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India, known for its strategic hilltop position and panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. Originally built as a stronghold by the Rajput rulers of the Marwar region, it later gained significance as a residence for the royal family. Today, the site has been restored and converted into a heritage hotel, offering visitors a glimpse into Rajasthan’s royal past and architectural traditions.

Cooch Behar

Cooch Behar is a historic city in the Indian state of West Bengal, known for its royal heritage as the capital of the princely state of Cooch Behar under the Koch dynasty. The city’s most iconic landmark is the Cooch Behar Palace, a magnificent neoclassical structure built in 1887 by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, inspired by the architecture of Buckingham Palace. Today, it serves as a popular tourist destination, reflecting the region’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

Jalpaiguri

Jalpaiguri is a city in the Indian state of West Bengal, situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and historically a key trading hub between India, Bhutan, and Tibet. Its name is believed to derive from the words “Jal” (water) and “Paiguri” (a type of tree), reflecting the region’s lush, water-rich landscape. The area was once part of the Kamarupa Kingdom and later ruled by the Koch dynasty, before becoming a significant administrative center under British colonial rule in the 19th century.

Malda

Malda is a historic city in West Bengal, India, known for its role as the capital of the ancient Gour and Pandua kingdoms. It was a major center of trade and culture during the medieval period, particularly under the Bengal Sultanate. Today, Malda is famous for its mangoes and archaeological ruins, including the Adina Mosque and the Gour complex.