West Bengal Assembly Elections: Key Issues and Political Tensions Emerge

The upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, scheduled for April 23 and 29, are marked by intense competition between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Key issues such as Bengali identity, law and order, and the conduct of officials have emerged as focal points in the campaign. Recent tensions have escalated to the judicial level, with the Supreme Court reprimanding state officials for their lack of responsiveness. As both parties accuse each other of misusing power and influencing officials, the political landscape in Bengal is becoming increasingly complex. This article delves into the critical issues shaping the elections and the implications for governance in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 7, 2026, 16:10 IST

Voting Schedule and Political Landscape

The West Bengal Assembly elections are set to take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are vigorously campaigning to attract voters, focusing on their respective agendas. The primary contest is between the TMC and the BJP, while the Congress and Left parties are vying for the third and fourth positions. This election revolves around themes of identity, citizenship, governance, and everyday challenges.

Emerging Issues in the Election Campaign

Elections, whether for the Lok Sabha, Assembly, or local bodies, are fought on various issues. Some issues are predetermined, while others arise during the campaign. In this election, topics such as voter list revisions, Bengali identity, infiltration and border security, the Matua community, women's safety, law and order, corruption, anti-incumbency sentiments, minority votes, and polarization are being raised by the TMC and BJP against each other. Additionally, a new issue has surfaced since the announcement of the elections: the conduct of 'Bengal's officials.'

Judicial Concerns Over Official Conduct

Previously, complaints about officials were primarily lodged by the TMC and BJP, but now even the Chief Justice of the High Court has expressed frustration. This situation escalated to the Supreme Court, prompting inquiries into why both political parties and judges are troubled by the officials in Bengal.

Judges Left Unanswered

Recently, the Chief Secretary and DGP of West Bengal failed to answer calls from the Chief Justice of the Kolkata High Court. This issue was brought before the Supreme Court, which reprimanded both officials. The Supreme Court was hearing a case related to judicial rights in Malda district.

Supreme Court's Reprimand

The Supreme Court directed the Bengal police to hand over records related to the encirclement of judicial officers in Malda to the NIA, expressing distrust in the local police. Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the Chief Secretary's behavior, noting that his phone is often switched off, making it difficult for even the Chief Justice to reach him. The Chief Justice remarked that such obstinacy in bureaucracy is also encountered in other states.

Disregarding the Chief Justice?

The Chief Justice of India, N.V. Ramana, asked the Chief Secretary why he does not take the Chief Justice seriously, as he is also unable to contact him. The Chief Secretary, who appeared via video conference, explained that he was in Delhi for a meeting and was on a flight during the time of the calls. Justice Bagchi pointed out that calls would have come in the evening if he had shared his mobile number. He emphasized that if the Chief Secretary's phone was operational, it would have greatly assisted the High Court administration.

Political Accusations from the BJP

The BJP has consistently accused the TMC of misusing officials for political gain. They claim that the state government is employing administrative and police officials for partisan purposes, alleging that these officials are not impartial in maintaining law and order and are working in favor of the TMC. There have been instances where police negligence was reported during BJP leaders' events.

TMC's Counterclaims

In response, the TMC has accused the BJP of manipulating officials and their transfers. They assert that the Election Commission and certain officials are under the BJP's influence and are acting on their behalf. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directly accused the Election Commission of being a puppet of the BJP, claiming that unilateral decisions are being made in Bengal.

Administrative Changes Post-Election Announcement

Following the election announcement, the Election Commission executed significant administrative reshuffles in Bengal, including the transfers of the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary. This was the first major transfer after the announcement, leading to a series of further changes.

Removal of Key Officials

The Election Commission also removed the state's DGP, IG, and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, appointing new officials in their place. Prior to these changes, the Chief Secretary, Nandini Chakraborty, was replaced by Dushyant Nariyala, a 1993 batch IAS officer.

TMC's Allegations of Misuse of Power

The TMC has alleged that the BJP is misusing government resources to secure electoral victory. The officials who were removed were appointed by the Mamata Banerjee government and were considered reliable by the Chief Minister. The Election Commission did not limit its transfers to high-ranking officials; on March 30, it also transferred 173 police station chiefs and inspectors ahead of the elections, including the SHO of Bhawanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting.