Greetings, I am Paranjoy.
Elections will be held soon in West Bengal. It has been almost 15 years since Mamata Banerjee has been the Chief Minister of this state.
Are we seeing anti-incumbency sentiments against the West Bengal government? If not, what are the reasons? In this state, political polarisation has taken place, including along religious lines.
There are many allegations against the Trinamool Congress government, but will these have any significant impact on the election outcome? These are some of the issues I will discuss today.
With me is Sougata Roy:. I welcome him.
Your birthday was nine days before India’s Independence (on 15 August 1947). You are now almost 79 years old. You have held many important positions in the past.
You were Minister of State for Urban Development in the second UPA government in New Delhi from 2009 to 2012, when Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister. Earlier, in 1979, in the Charan Singh government, you were briefly a Minister of State in the Petroleum Ministry.
Today, you are the Member of Parliament from Dum Dum. You have been elected MLA five times. There is also something many people may not know—you were a professor of physics and taught the subject.
Sougata da, thank you very much for your time. My question is whether we are really seeing an anti-incumbency atmosphere in the state. This would be natural if a government is in power for almost 15 years. What impact will it have on the upcoming elections?
Sougata Roy: I do not see an anti-incumbency mood. It is true that Mamata Banerjee has been Chief Minister for almost 15 years and the Trinamool Congress has a majority, but there is no issue that has made people very unhappy or angry with her.
Two aspects about her should be remembered. People know her as a fighter—someone who continues to struggle even as Chief Minister. She has maintained an anti-establishment image because there is a BJP government at the Centre, and she is seen as a leader who opposes it.
Therefore, I believe the space for anti-establishment politics cannot be taken by anyone else.
Paranjoy: Those who oppose your party will not accept your views. There are allegations of widespread corruption. Before we discuss that, I want to talk about law and order.
Recently in Howrah, a real estate promoter was murdered in broad daylight. Many claim the police have been politicised and do not act against supporters of your party. Is there any basis to such allegations?
Roy: This is not correct. I spend a lot of time in Delhi—are murders not taking place there? In Uttar Pradesh, powerful mafia gangs operate and encounters happen under the direction of the Chief Minister, yet law and order is not considered normal.
In West Bengal, there may be some problems, but it would not be correct to say that police do not act. Many anti-social elements have been arrested and action is taken whenever incidents occur.
For example, the incident at RG Kar Medical College was deeply tragic and shocked people across the world. However, the police investigated, identified the accused, and the court delivered punishment. The person heading the college was removed and jailed.
From one incident, it cannot be said that law and order has collapsed.
Earlier too, in the Park Street case involving Suzette Jordan, similar allegations were made. But what connection does an individual crime have with the Chief Minister? These are isolated incidents.
Paranjoy: You call these isolated incidents. What about Sandeshkhali? There were serious allegations against local leaders. Why was action delayed?
Roy: What happened in Sandeshkhali was indeed bad. Some individuals, possibly linked to our party, oppressed locals. Action has been taken by both the party and the government. The area is remote, and administrative processes may have caused delays. But the situation is now normal.
Paranjoy: Let me come to corruption. Earlier you had admitted that some party members took “cut money.” Despite that, scandals—from Partha Chatterjee’s arrest to earlier chit fund scams—have hurt the government’s image.
Roy: Some incidents have occurred, and they are unfortunate. But action has been taken. Those responsible have been removed and faced legal consequences. This is not widespread corruption, though some individuals are guilty.
Paranjoy: Your name also came up in the Narada scandal, where you were seen accepting cash.
Roy: The amount was small and related to election donations. In India, all parties accept donations. There are spending limits, and elections are expensive. Narada was not a major issue. Cases were filed, but not against me.
Paranjoy: Let’s move to political polarisation. Today, West Bengal effectively has two dominant parties. The Left and Congress have virtually disappeared. Why did this happen?
Roy: People’s experience with the Left Front over 34 years led to disillusionment, especially after Singur and Nandigram, where land acquisition angered farmers. The organisational structure of the CPI-M weakened, and they lost their support base.
Paranjoy: But the lack of industrial development remains a major issue. Young people are still searching for jobs.
Roy: Yes, employment is a concern. But land will not be acquired without consent. If land is sold willingly, industries can come. There are multiple reasons why industries have not developed, not just land issues.
Paranjoy: The BJP argues that a “double engine” government would bring development.
Roy: That will not happen. The BJP prioritises states like Gujarat and Maharashtra. Still, I believe industry will gradually come to West Bengal.
Paranjoy: There is also the issue of religion and polarisation. Some say Mamata Banerjee practices soft Hindutva, citing temple projects.
Roy: She has no bias toward any religion. She responds to public demand—whether building temples or supporting religious institutions across communities. Compared to national-level politics, her actions are modest.
Paranjoy: What about infiltration and the BJP’s claims?
Roy: This issue is exaggerated. West Bengal shares a long border with Bangladesh, and migration happens for economic reasons. Controlling borders is the Centre’s responsibility.
Paranjoy: Do you expect similar election results as before?
Roy: Yes, with minor variations. The BJP lacks leadership and a clear issue. Mamata Banerjee came to power on a strong issue—protecting farmers’ land. Today, welfare schemes are benefiting people, and they will vote her back.
Paranjoy: Before we conclude, you were recently mocked on social media—for smoking outside Parliament and chatting during proceedings.
Roy: Smoking outside Parliament is not illegal, though I should quit for health reasons. As for the other incident, Parliament is a busy place—people talk. The media tends to sensationalise such moments.
Paranjoy: Any message for viewers?
Roy: The media should remain impartial. Like Paranjoy, who is a respected journalist who has exposed many corruption cases.
Paranjoy: Thank you very much, Sougata da, for your time.
