Murshidabad Unrest and SSC Scandal: Mamata battles twin crises ahead of 2026 Bengal polls

The TMC faces significant challenges ahead of the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections, with the narrative slipping out of its control.

The recent violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal, triggered by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has left a deep mark on the state’s political landscape. The clashes claimed three lives, all from Hindu families, allegedly at the hands of Muslim mobs. While the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the unrest by bringing in outsiders with the help of a section of the Border Security Force, the BJP has highlighted the plight of Hindus in the area and the targeted nature of the violence.

Adding to the turmoil is the School Service Commission (SSC) scam, which saw over 25,000 teachers and staff lose their jobs following a Supreme Court ruling on recruitment irregularities. These twin crises have intensified scrutiny of the TMC government’s ability to maintain law and order and uphold institutional integrity. The BJP has seized the moment, accusing the TMC of Muslim appeasement and systemic corruption, using these narratives to bolster its campaign ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

Mamata's Losing Grip On Law And Order

The violence in Murshidabad has exposed deep cracks in governance and law enforcement under Mamata Banerjee’s administration. Targeted attacks on Hindu families in Muslim-majority areas like Dhulian have heightened communal tensions, leaving the state grappling with criticism over its delayed and inadequate response. The government’s reliance on the Border Security Force to restore order, followed by blaming the same force for the atrocities, reflects a governance and strategic failure that has shaken public confidence.

The Calcutta High Court’s directive to deploy central forces underscores the TMC’s inability to act swiftly and decisively. Allegations of BJP-orchestrated infiltration have done little to deflect blame, as Mamata’s administration faces mounting outrage over its perceived reluctance to address the violence head-on. This hesitation has emboldened divisive elements, deepening mistrust among communities and raising questions about the state’s ability to maintain harmony.

Mamata’s rejection of the Waqf Act and her outreach to Muslim clerics were intended to pacify one group, but these efforts have been overshadowed by her administration’s failure to prevent chaos. The balancing act between Muslim and Hindu voters now risks alienating both, as recurring clashes signal a weakening grip on law enforcement. The violence in Murshidabad is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern that demands urgent introspection and accountability.

SSC Scam Exposes Institutional Corruption

The SSC scam, which led to the Supreme Court’s annulment of 25,000 teaching and non-teaching appointments, is a stark indictment of institutional corruption under Mamata Banerjee’s watch. The court’s ruling, based on evidence of irregularities in the recruitment process, not only disrupted the livelihoods of thousands but also tarnished the TMC’s image as a champion of public welfare. The scam, involving alleged manipulation of selection lists and favoritism, points to a systemic rot within the state’s administrative machinery.

Mamata’s pledge to fight for the affected teachers and her criticism of the judiciary have done little to quell public outrage. The fallout has sparked protests, with affected teachers clashing with police, further highlighting the government’s struggle to manage dissent. This scandal, combined with the Murshidabad unrest, paints a picture of a government grappling with both internal malfeasance and external chaos, raising questions about its competence and accountability.

BJP’s Narrative Gains Traction

At this juncture, it is evident that the BJP’s narrative against Mamata and the TMC is gaining traction among the people of Bengal. With the diminishing presence of the Left and Congress, the BJP has emerged as the primary opposition to Mamata’s leadership. As the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections approach, the political narrative appears to be slipping out of Mamata’s control and into the BJP’s hands.

The BJP has focused its criticism on two key issues: alleged appeasement politics toward Muslims and widespread corruption within the TMC and its government. The SSC recruitment scam serves as a glaring example, with former TMC secretary-general and education minister Partha Chatterjee jailed, alongside other officials and party leaders who were later released on bail. Additionally, TMC’s Birbhum district president, Anubrata Mondal, was arrested for alleged involvement in a cattle smuggling scam (now out on bail), while Mamata’s nephew and TMC’s second-in-command, Abhishek Banerjee, faces multiple corruption probes.

The BJP has now weaponized the Murshidabad violence and the SSC scam as potent ammunition against Mamata ahead of the polls. Her attempts to deflect blame through accusations and counter-narratives have failed to resonate, especially as thousands of families remain affected by these crises. For the BJP, this presents a significant advantage, as Mamata struggles to regain control of the narrative and address the growing discontent among voters.

TMC’s Challenges and the Road Ahead

The TMC faces significant challenges ahead of the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections, with the narrative slipping out of its control. The communal clashes, with their ugly aftermath, and the loss of 25,000 teaching jobs due to a court ruling have fueled accusations of misgovernance and appeasement. Anti-incumbency is simmering, and the BJP is stoking Hindu resentment with its aggressive Hindutva pitch. But writing Mamata off would be a mistake—she’s a street fighter who knows Bengal’s soul like no one else.

The TMC’s strength lies in its grip on the Muslim vote, roughly 30% of Bengal’s population. Areas like Murshidabad, Malda, and Baharampur, once Left and Congress strongholds, now rally behind Mamata. Despite the Waqf (Amendment) Act protests spiraling into violence, she’s doubled down—rejecting the bill, assuring Muslims it won’t be implemented in Bengal, and letting MPs like Mahua Moitra challenge it in court. This isn’t just politics; it’s a calculated move to keep her base intact. And it’s working.

The BJP, meanwhile, faces its own hurdles. Bengal’s liberal ethos and cultural pride don’t bend easily to their brand of polarisation. They need a massive Hindu consolidation—tough in a state where regional identity often trumps religious divides. Plus, their state unit lacks a unifying face.

Mamata’s path is rocky, no doubt. But her knack for reading Bengal’s pulse and her gritty campaign style make her a formidable force. The BJP’s got momentum, but toppling Didi in 2026? That’s a tall order.