Even though the TMC won big in Bengal with a vote share of 48%, bettering its 2016 assembly electoral record, I believe this should encourage Mamata to take some political course correction of the ranks and cadres of Trinamool.
Didn’t we witness what happened in Aaram Bagh, Haldia and Nandigram, where workers of Didi’s party ransacked and ruffled the BJP office, later claiming the attack on Suvendu Adhikari’s convoy after he won from Nandigram with a slender margin against Mamta Banerjee? Though Didi was earlier announced a winner from this constituency, wresting this seat from Suvendu Adhikari by a margin of 1,200 votes, refuted by the central election commission.
The election commission is already receiving flak for prolonging this election into different phases when the country continues to fight the scourge of Covid-19. Still, in her media address, Didi honoured the verdict of the Nandigram as for TMCs unmatched poll presentation and performance so far.
Technically she can claim Chief Ministership, provided she wins from any state seat in the 6 month period under the provisions of Article 16(4) of the Constitution.
Her nephew and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee can, in the interim, offer to stay as a force behind Didi for suggesting a crucial policy roadmap for the Trinamool in the state. Riddled with challenges and contestations as for those willing to bargain a comeback in Trinamool from the BJP. Symbolising a blow to Didi’s credibility as a grassroot warrior and a born street fighter systematically weaning and waning the party structure of TMC.
Abhishek Banerjee should weigh all the pros and cons beforehand. This victory speaks a lot about her composition and character taking on the muscular might of the BJP, institutionalising a self-belief in holding onto power come what may be the costs. A pandemic being a proclaimed offender for not letting it happen, restricting the uptick of a saffron surge in a state known for preserving the glory of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the Bhartiya Jan Sangh.
More than the telecast of trickery, it is the strategy that pays off in the end. For the centre, it would be better if this thought dawns and dots their minds paces. Perceptions carry little substance in state elections as for a parliamentary one where it can withstand the after-effects.