Political Dynamics in Murshidabad Ahead of West Bengal Elections

As the West Bengal elections approach, the political scene in Murshidabad is heating up, particularly regarding the Muslim electorate. Mamata Banerjee faces challenges from former ally Humayun Kabir and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, both targeting her core voter base. The 2021 elections saw a significant shift in power dynamics, influenced by the Sitalkuchi incident. With Congress re-nominating Chowdhury and TMC's internal challenges, the upcoming elections promise to be fiercely contested. The potential for vote splitting among Muslim voters could also open doors for the BJP, making this election critical for all parties involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 15:02 IST

Intensifying Political Activity in West Bengal

The political landscape in West Bengal is currently buzzing with activity, particularly concerning the Muslim electorate. Various opposition parties are striving to win the trust of Muslim voters, making the political scenario in Murshidabad, which has the highest Muslim population, even more intriguing. In the 2021 assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee secured a united backing from Muslims in this district, but this time she faces challenges. Her concerns stem from her former ally and rebel leader Humayun Kabir, along with her staunch opponent from Congress, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Both are eyeing Mamata's core voter base, while the BJP is also strategizing in this Muslim-majority area.

2021 Elections: A Shift in Power

In the 2021 assembly elections, Congress and the Left faced a complete rout in Murshidabad, with Mamata Banerjee winning 20 out of 22 seats, while the BJP managed to secure two. The BJP capitalized on the rivalry between Congress and TMC. Notably, in the 2016 elections, the Congress-Left alliance had dominated this district, but the dynamics shifted dramatically over five years, largely due to the Sitalkuchi incident.

Impact of the Sitalkuchi Incident

A significant event occurred during the 2021 assembly elections that shook the political scene. On April 10, 2021, during the fourth phase of voting in the Sitalkuchi assembly constituency, two firing incidents resulted in the deaths of five individuals. One voter was shot while attempting to cast his vote, while the others were killed by CISF gunfire. The local police report described the shootings as self-defense actions by the central forces, but Mamata Banerjee accused them of acting on central government orders to kill.

Following this incident, several BJP leaders made controversial statements, which led to the Muslim community rallying behind Mamata Banerjee. This shift in allegiance from Congress's traditional voter base to TMC was reflected in the election results, where TMC's seat count surged from just four in 2016 to twenty in 2021.

Congress's Strategy for 2024

In the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a prominent Congress leader, previously lost to TMC's candidate in the Baharampur constituency. This defeat was a significant blow for Congress in Bengal. However, the situation appears to be changing as Congress has re-nominated Chowdhury for the Baharampur seat. He enjoys considerable popularity among local residents and has been a long-time representative in the Lok Sabha.

With Chowdhury now contesting in the assembly elections, there is a growing sentiment among voters to support him. Many local leaders are aligning with him, suggesting that this constituency could be one of Congress's strongest in Bengal. Voters believe that while they may have erred previously, they are determined to ensure Chowdhury's victory this time.

Challenges in Key Constituencies

Murshidabad's Muslim majority presents a complex scenario, with numerous candidates vying for Muslim votes. Mamata Banerjee's challenges have intensified with Humayun Kabir entering the fray from Rejinagar, indicating the party's intent to solidify its influence in the region. The TMC has nominated Tauhid Rahman, while the BJP has fielded Bapan Ghosh, and Congress has put forth Jillu Sheikh. This constituency is expected to witness a fierce contest. In the previous elections, TMC's Rabiul Alam Chowdhury won by over 68,000 votes, but this time the situation appears precarious. If the Muslim vote splits, the BJP could emerge as a contender.

Additionally, the Baharampur seat has become more competitive with Chowdhury's candidacy against TMC's Naru Hopal Mukherjee and BJP's Subrata Maitra. This constituency also has a significant Muslim voter base, and if they do not consolidate their votes, the BJP may have a better chance of winning, as seen in the last elections where a multi-cornered contest favored the BJP.

Recent Developments in Jalangi

In a surprising turn, Abdur Razzaq, a seasoned TMC MLA from Jalangi, announced his departure from the party, adding another layer of intrigue to the electoral battle. His decision stemmed from dissatisfaction over not receiving a ticket this time. Razzaq has claimed that TMC candidates will struggle not only in Jalangi but also in the neighboring Domkal and Raninagar constituencies. Despite being a Muslim-majority district, the BJP sees potential here, as a division of Muslim votes could directly benefit them.