Mamata's acid test
Ok, so finally the dates have been announced. Since the beginning of this year, political parties in West Bengal have waited impatiently for the Election Commission to announce the polling dates for the state elections which will take place in five states including West Bengal. Being called Mamata Banerjee's "acid test", these elections are extremely significant because it is the first time since the historic elections of 2011 when she toppled the 34-year-old Communist rule and came to power with an overwhelming majority to become chief minister, that her performance will be gauged. It will determine whether she is here to stay or whether the Trinamool Congress was a flash in the pan.
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Miffed with mummy
But Mamata Banerjee is not happy with the schedule. EC has decided that as far as West Bengal is concerned, the polls will take place in seven phases starting April 4, with the last polling date set for May 5. The chief minister claimed that this was "step-motherly" treatment because other states going to polls have only one or two phases. "Why is Bengal always singled out for step-motherly treatment?"asked an annoyed Mamata. "With due respect to the EC," she said, "This is not really impartial." What is her objection to being allotted seven different dates rather than one or two? Political commentators point out that is indicative of a lack of trust in the state's ability to ensure "free and fair" elections and have called the EC move a brilliant strategy.
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The reluctant allies
In the meantime, the Congress and the Communist parties have more or less decided that they are going to fight the elections together to ensure that Trinamool is defeated. Secret sources reveal that seat sharing details are being worked out. Apparently the determination to drive Trinamool out is so strong that the usual acrimony while political parties decide on seat-sharing is totally missing. "The best possible candidate with the most chances of winning is the prime consideration rather than party or ego trips," said a Congress leader.
Cracks in Mamata's cavalry?
The Trinamool, on the other hand, is completely ready with its list of candidates. No sooner had the chief election commissioner announced the dates than the party made the list public. The one name that has created the most controversy is that of Madan Mitra, Mamata's close aide, who was made transport minister but who has since been in jail for his alleged involvement in the chit fund fraud. Opposition members are claiming that Mamata has no choice but to let Madan contest the elections even though he is in prison because unless he is given a ticket to do so, he will spill the beans about other people's involvement. The question is will the people vote for him knowing that he stands accused in a case of cheating hundreds of poor people? Or is Mamata geared towards accepting the loss of one MLA so long as chit fund secrets are kept safe. Only time will tell. May 19 to be exact. That's when the final results will be out.
Self-assurance much?
Trinamool election pamphlet: "Bhoy nei bondhu, abar aschi phirey…dhirey dhirey" (Don't worry friend, we will be back again…slowly but surely).
Left election poster: "Ma, Mati, Manusher sharkar…aar nei dorkar" (Don't need the Ma Mati Manush government any more.)
