Sandeshkhali: What makes Shahjahan an albatross around Mamata's neck ahead of Lok Sabha elections?

West Bengal CM and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. (File photo)

The arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan, the alleged Sandeshkhali strongman, could be a critical turning point for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee. Political analysts argue that the development mirrors the importance of her past protests in Nandigram and Singur, which eventually led to the downfall of the Left Front government. Comparing this event to Mamata Banerjee's historical struggles suggests that it could represent a significant challenge for her leadership, akin to facing her Waterloo. It also indicates that she may encounter formidable challenges in garnering votes as in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in April-May this year.

Protests Pose Challenge to TMC's Efforts to Woo Women Voters

Protests by local women against alleged atrocities by Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali throw up a substantial challenge to the efforts of the TMC supremo in consolidating women voters in the state ahead of the general elections. Reports suggest that the growing presence of women voters in West Bengal, constituting nearly 50 percent of the electorate, has turned vital for both the TMC as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This demographic shift highlights the significance of addressing women's concerns and preferences in the political blueprint for both the parties.

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TMC's Financial Aid Initiative for Women

More significantly, the TMC government announced in this year's budget an increase in financial help provided to women under the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme. The aid was hiked from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month for the general category and to Rs 1,200 for the SC/ST category. Launched in 2021, the scheme was perceived as a significant factor contributing to Banerjee's victory in the Assembly elections that year.

Maa, Maati, Manush: The Slogan Behind Mamata's Rise to Power

'Maa, Maati, Manush' (Mother, land, people) was Banerjee's iconic slogan that played a key role in her rise to power in West Bengal. It resonated deeply with the people of the state, symbolising her commitment to the welfare of the common people, the protection of their land, and the preservation of their cultural identity. This slogan helped Banerjee secure successive electoral victories, leading to the decline of the once-dominant Left parties in the state.

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TMC Shifts to Damage Control Mode

However, the recent women-led protests in Sandeshkhali have prompted the TMC to shift into damage control mode, necessitating efforts to address the grievances raised by these protests. Local media reports suggest that as the Lok Sabha elections approach, the TMC has intensified its efforts to appeal to women voters by showcasing its schemes for women and committing to fielding more female candidates than rival parties. The party takes pride in its inclusion of nearly 30 percent women candidates in elections, and it highlights the representation of women in key positions such as the state's chief minister, finance minister, and industry minister.

BJP Draws Parallels Between Sandeshkhali and Nandigram

However, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has publicly likened the situation in Sandeshkhali to the events that occurred in Nandigram during 2007-08. Additionally, leaders from the BJP have launched a campaign, drawing attention to the parallels between Sandeshkhali and the incidents that unfolded in Singur-Nandigram.

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Sandeshkhali Row: BJP Sees Opportunity to Challenge TMC

The Sandeshkhali controversy presents a significant opportunity for the BJP to challenge the TMC, capitalising on the growing public outrage. Notably, the active involvement of women, a crucial vote bank for the TMC, in leading the protests, potentially galvanising a broader movement across the state. If the BJP can effectively amplify this discontent, it has the potential to reshape the political landscape of West Bengal, according to political analysts.

Corruption Allegations, Violence, and Crisis Management

Over the past seven years, the TMC has faced numerous corruption allegations, resulting in legal action against several key leaders and ministers. The surge in violence, allegations of sexual assault, and other criminal charges involving TMC members in Sandeshkhali underscore the crisis that Banerjee aims to avoid. The governance failures of her party have fuelled growing dissatisfaction among the people of the state, providing an opportunity for the BJP to gain ground in the state.

The allegations levelled against members of her party in Sandeshkhali have undoubtedly sparked concerns for the CM, evident from her staunch emphasis on maintaining a policy of zero tolerance towards any form of misconduct or wrongdoing.

Mamata's Measures to Address Sandeshkhali Issue

The Mamata government has taken several steps to address the situation in Sandeshkhali, opting to establish cooperatives for landowners whose lands were reportedly transformed into bheris (shallow fish ponds) against their will, allegedly by the notorious TMC leader. The government aims to provide training in pisciculture to these individuals, offering them alternative means of livelihood in an effort to douse the flames of discontent.

Challenges in Reclaiming Saline Land

Experts highlight that when a land parcel remains submerged under saline water for a prolonged period, typically five to six years, the fertility of the soil is significantly compromised. This renders the land unsuitable for cultivating the majority of crops. The process of reclaiming such land and restoring its fertility can be lengthy, often requiring several monsoon seasons to wash away the salinity. Therefore, it would not be feasible for landowners to immediately resume cultivation on these plots.