Since the middle of the 20th century, politics in West Bengal has been driven by the ekla cholo re phenomenon. If history is repeated, a new chapter in West Bengal politics will be initiated. The BJP bogey has successfully ensured that Muslims who make for nearly one-third of the population vote en masse for the Trinamool Congress. To this is added the understated but real fear of demographic transformation and the blurring of lines between West Bengal and Bangladesh. Roy as chief minister, West Bengal briefly overcame its desire to be contrarian and became central to the national project.

Source: The Telegraph March 12, 2026 07:42 UTC