Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP’s 'Rajmata' Amrita Roy may upset Mahua Moitra applecart in Krishnanagar

A file photo of Trinamul Congress leader Mahua Moitra.

Amid the unfolding drama of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Krishnanagar emerges as a key battleground, slated for the fourth phase on May 13. All eyes are on on the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) calculated move in candidate selection, poised to challenge the incumbent Trinamul Congress (TMC) leader, Mahua Moitra. Despite Moitra's resounding victory in 2019, securing a staggering margin of more than 63,000 votes, political analysts anticipate a more gripping contest this time around. The saffron party's nomination of Amrita Roy, hailed from the esteemed royal lineage of Krishnanagar and renowned as the “Rajmata of Rajbari,” adds an intriguing dimension to the electoral narrative, further intensifying the dynamics of the race.

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Moitra's Nadia Campaign: Pursuing a Second Term

For the past three months, following her expulsion from the Lok Sabha over the cash-for-query controversy, Moitra has been strategically establishing her presence in Nadia. Demonstrating steadfast resolve, she has methodically crisscrossed the district, seamlessly transitioning between her local abode in Karimpur and her electoral stronghold in Krishnagar, all with the aim of securing a second term in Parliament.

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Navigating Personal Conflicts Amid Campaign

Political analysts argue that Moitra's chances of reclaiming her seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha largely hinge on her skillful navigation of the intricate grassroots dynamics, especially among the electorate. Beyond the boundaries of her constituency, Moitra is caught in various conflicts, encompassing both political and personal realms, frequently at their intersection.

BJP's Rise in Nadia's Political Arena

Reports suggest that in Nadia, the ruling party is facing a leadership vacuum while the BJP holds sway in at least four Assembly segments. Despite possibly unsettling some party members, Moitra retains popularity within her constituency for her steadfast nurturing and methodical approach year-round. Even after her expulsion, her commitment to the region has remained unwavering.

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BJP Targets Moitra's Lifestyle in Strategic Move

The BJP's core strategy revolves around targeting the refined lifestyle of Moitra, a stance she staunchly defends without apology. In response, the saffron party has strategically chosen a candidate poised to match her in sophistication. Historically, Krishnanagar has been under the  TMC control since 2009, when Tapas Paul secured it from the CPI (M), which held sway from 1971 to 1999. However, the Left party is not expected to pose a significant challenge in this election. Instead, the electoral arena is shaping up for a direct showdown between Moitra and the rajmata, with the BJP eyeing a substantial victory against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's TMC, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation.

Bengal's Crucial Role in BJP's Electoral Plans

Mamata's decision to contest independently, without any seat-sharing arrangement with other INDIA constituents like the CPI (M) and the Congress, underscores the competitive landscape in Bengal. With 42 Lok Sabha seats, Bengal emerges as a key battleground for the BJP's electoral ambitions, ranking only behind Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in terms of seat count. Bengal, therefore, holds immense strategic importance for the BJP, particularly in its quest to secure over 370 seats independently. A robust performance in Bengal is imperative for the BJP, especially considering its significant gains in the state during the 2019 elections, where it clinched 18 seats.

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Roy's Dismissal of Moitra Highlights BJP's Political Strategy

Roy has boldly brushed aside her opponent Moitra as inconsequential, stating that the "mismanagement and corruption" prevalent under the TMC regime in Bengal have propelled her into politics. In an interview with news agency PTI, Roy commended the Centre for enacting the CAA rules, underscoring the advantages it would offer to the refugee population, particularly the Matua community, who sought refuge in India to escape religious persecution in neighboring countries. According to News18, an internal survey conducted by the BJP indicates that the decision regarding the CAA will influence at least five seats spanning across Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts in Bengal.

Roy's Interpretation of History

Roy reiterated her belief that the 18th-century Bengal king Krishnachandra Roy allied with the British during the Battle of Plassey in 1757 due to the tyranny of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and the perceived threat to Sanatan Dharma during his rule. She argued that the Maharaja sided with the British in response to the oppression of Siraj-ud-Daulah. She suggested that had the Maharaja not taken that step, Hinduism and the Bengali language would not have endured in Bengal.

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Roy's Candidature Bolsters BJP's Prospects

Roy's candidature will provide a substantial boost to the BJP, particularly considering the significant strengthening of the saffron party's organisational presence in the Kaliganj Assembly over the past five years. Additionally, the BJP is capitalising on the recent decline in TMC's organisational strength in the area. Allegations of corruption and internal discord within the ruling party during these elections may pose considerable electoral hurdles for the TMC. In order to enhance the vote margin, the BJP has strategically nominated a local, influential, and well-known figure. This move is perceived as pivotal in fortifying the BJP's position in the electoral landscape, opine experts.