Emergence of BJP as a fomidable contestant in W.Bengal Elections.

In the results of two by elections the impact of Saradha scam is not that palpable as expected. Although the urban voters of Basirhat South have unequivocally given mandate against TMC, but the rural counterparts have gone the other way round. Again, it’s difficult to say if this urban mandate can be attributed primarily to Saradha Scam or to other activities of the ruling party that have drawn flak from different corners in recent times. In Chowrange, TMC has done reasonably well. Perhaps the party didn’t even expect it’d do so well. True, division of votes among BJP, Congress and CPM, though CPM has fared miserably, has paved the way for victory of TMC easier. However, such things are very common in elections, particularly when a multi cornered contest takes place. The unique feature of these by polls is the emergence of BJP as the most powerful contestant against the ruling party. The victory of BJP at Basirhat South, though not by a big margin, despite all-out efforts of the TMC leaders to win the seat sends a loud and clear message to the ruling party that BJP would pose the most formidable contestant in electoral fray in days ahead. It’s also unique that for the first time BJP has opened its account in West Bengal Assembly contesting alone.However, there’s a tough time ahead of BJP too. To take on TMC effectively in coming polls it should gear up its organization whole heatedly and on war footing as well. The civic polls are breathing down the neck. It may be noted, if TMC makes an alliance with Congress before 2016 Assembly polls ,which is not unlikely in the present context, task of winning elections would prove all the more difficult for BJP.