Only six assembly constituencies are headed for bypolls in West Bengal on November 13, but tensions have escalated between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP in the lead-up to these elections. The campaign has been marked by a flurry of complaints and allegations, with both parties unwilling to give even an inch of ground to the other.
The elections were announced during a period when the ruling TMC was facing a significant setback, in the aftermath of the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Meanwhile, the BJP struggled to leverage the strong wave of anti-incumbency sentiment that had spread across West Bengal.
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Thus, the by-elections offer both the parties the perfect opportunity to reassert their political prominence. For the TMC, however, the stakes are higher. Having won five of the six assembly seats in the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, defending them successfully in the bypolls could help the party dispel all doubts and challenges it is currently facing.
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A look at some major developments from the ongoing campaigns in Sitai (SC), Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra and Madarihat (ST), the only seat won by the BJP in 2021.
TMC’s complaint against Amit Shah
While addressing the gathering during a Union government even in West Bengal on October 27, Home Minister Amit Shah called for “parivartan (change) in 2026”. The TMC claimed that his “politically charged” call violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and registered a complaint with the Election Commission. The TMC also alleged that the Union minister had made “slanderous remarks” against the party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Mithun Chakraborty’s ‘provocative’ comments
During a party event in Kolkata on October 27, attended by Shah, Chakraborty made a controversial comment in response to an earlier statement by TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, who had provocatively suggested throwing BJP supporters into the Bhagirathi river.
The actor-turned-BJP leader said, “Bhagirathi is our mother. So, we will not cut and throw you into Bhagirathi but we will bury you in your own soil.” An FIR has been filed against Chakraborty’s “provocative” statement at the Bowbazar police station in Kolkata.
'Bhai fonta' celebrations
Both the TMC and BJP candidates in Bankura district’s Taldangra assembly constituencies were seen utilising the 'bhai fonta' (a Bengali tradition where sisters apply a mark on their brothers’ forehead and pray for their well-being and protection).
TMC candidate Falguni Singhababu visited multiple villages, receiving fonta from women and seeking their blessings. Ananya Roy Chakraborty, the BJP candidate, did the same, notably accepting fonta as a woman, which sent a positive message about challenging traditional stereotypes.
Football’s big three supporting TMC
While fans of Kolkata’s three major football clubs came together in an unprecedented show of unity to demand justice for the R.G. Kar rape and murder case victim, the clubs' officials have also united but for a different cause.
In a video shared on TMC's social media on Monday, East Bengal’s Debabrata Sarkar, Mohun Bagan’s Debashish Dutta, and Mohammedan Sporting’s Md. Kamaruddin were seen endorsing the ruling party’s candidate in Naihati, Sanat Dey. Anirban Dutta, secretary of the state’s football governing body, the IFA, was also seen vouching for the TMC candidate.
The BJP condemned the move as “unethical, unfair, and unsportsmanlike”, arguing it breached the code of conduct. West Bengal Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, complained to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, requesting him to take note of the matter.
BJP chief’s 'offering' of Rs 3,000 for membership
During an event to increase the party’s membership, West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar said, “Encourage people in your neighbourhood to join the BJP. If they ask why, explain that if women want to receive Rs 3,000 under the Annapurna Yojana, they need to fill the BJP membership form.”
This statement sparked controversy, with the TMC arguing that it violated the Constitution, as a ruling party cannot deny government benefits to individuals based on their political affiliation.
