Come to every election, and life suddenly seems exciting, GDP growth in twin figures, poverty a forgotten and distant past of India. Life becomes interesting with festoons and flags of every colour around. The greatest drama and festival of India, in the name of democracy, is played by lead actors. I have managed a ringside seat for the last five decades, watching and regaling myself. This time is no different or is more exciting than ever.
Mamata’s TMC announced her poll candidates two days ago, her name as the contender in Nandigram. The announcement is very significant and a do-or-die decision for the TMC supremo. Her dare is unmatched by any contemporary Indian political leader. At the height of Darjeeling’s problems, she landed right inside the burning cauldron to face the rowdy supporters of Bimal Gurung but also formed a parallel body of Lepchas at Kalimpong.
Mamata’s walking fire at Nandigram to prove her credentials as an undisputed leader against Modi’s BJP must make her party happy. Her win could see her taking a larger national role, moving over to the Rajya Sabha and needling Delhi to focus on the 2026 Lok Sabha elections. Nandigram, besides Singur, was the place which propelled Mamata as leader of any consequence and honed her as a warrior-lady.
Mamata’s shrewdness showed up once again when she forsakes her home constituency, Bhowanipore, probably sceptical of a backlash from the majority Gujarati voters in her constituency. But choosing Nandigram instead of Bhowaipore is like walking from the frypan to the fire. No leading politicians risked their political career with such a bravado replete with dire consequences. Either she should have contested from another safe seat, like Rahul Gandhi did, or chosen Rashbehari for Nandigram.
However, politics cannot be a coin-toss. Mamata’s electoral defeat could be grim and shake the foundations and her party’s very existence, which already has many cracks and fissures. Gone too are the days that Bengal politicians do not defect as it becomes difficult to keep track of the defectors’ list, going in length by every passing hour.
God forbid, if she loses, who could be the second face of TMC? I am looking at the many star-studded but irrelevant faces. The impact of the implosion would pulverize the party and Bengal politics for a long time to come. In Suvendu losing out, BJP will have nothing great to lose as his place can be filled by someone weighty, and there are many.
Mamata’s win and loss have a great bearing on the political fortunes of TMC and for Bengal too, but I compliment her dare!
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
