Intense Security Measures Mark Diamond Harbour During West Bengal Elections
Security Concerns in Diamond Harbour
During the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026, all eyes were on the highly discussed Diamond Harbour seat in South 24 Parganas. The area, known as the stronghold of the Trinamool Congress's 'number two' and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, witnessed security arrangements reminiscent of a war zone. The presence of personnel from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), along with Uttar Pradesh's renowned encounter specialist Ajay Pal Sharma, commonly referred to as 'Singham', heightened the sensitivity of this election.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
The deployment of such extensive security measures drew significant attention to this parliamentary constituency, which has a notorious history of electoral violence and allegations of booth capturing and fraud. On Wednesday, Diamond Harbour made headlines again when the BJP claimed that several polling booths in Falta had their Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) covered with tape over the BJP's election symbol. A video shared by Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT cell, allegedly showed tape covering the BJP's lotus symbol on an EVM.
Election Commission's Intervention
Malviya tweeted, asserting that the option to vote for the BJP had been obstructed at multiple polling booths, labeling it the 'Diamond Harbour model'—the same method that helped Abhishek secure his Lok Sabha seat. He accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of manipulating the elections. However, the Trinamool Congress dismissed these allegations outright. Ultimately, the Election Commission intervened, ordering a re-vote at all booths where tape was found on the EVMs, warning that further incidents could lead to a complete re-election in the parliamentary constituency.
Significance of Diamond Harbour
Diamond Harbour, a port city, has gained significant political importance in Bengal over the past decade. Its rise is closely linked to Abhishek Banerjee's rapid ascent within the Trinamool Party, transitioning from a political novice in 2014 to the party's 'number two'. His stature has dramatically increased in Bengal's political landscape.
Controversies Surrounding Illegal Activities
Falta is one of the seven assembly constituencies in Diamond Harbour, located in the South 24 Parganas district. The BJP has consistently accused the TMC of failing to curb illegal immigration from Bangladesh to strengthen its 'vote bank'. Both the BJP and the Congress-Left alliance have repeatedly claimed that Diamond Harbour has become a hub for illegal activities and cross-border smuggling, alleging that the proceeds from these activities fund the TMC.
Historical Context of Crime
Until a few years ago, Diamond Harbour and Canning were notorious for human trafficking. A political analyst tweeting under the handle 'Sniper' remarked on the heightened sensitivity of the TMC regarding Diamond Harbour, noting that the Director Generals of Central Armed Police Forces were also stationed there. In response, a BJP worker stated, 'TMC's Liyari is Diamond Harbour!' due to its proximity to the Sundarbans and the Bangladesh border, which allegedly facilitates infiltration.
Opposition's Claims of Intimidation
Earlier reports indicated that opposition leaders pointed to a climate of fear and intimidation in Diamond Harbour, highlighting the police's readiness to file cases against opposition leaders and workers, especially before elections. Malviya from the BJP stated, 'Diamond Harbour has long been infamous for criminal activities and electoral fraud. The substantial votes TMC has received over the past decade have been a topic of hushed discussions among opposition leaders.'
Electoral Statistics
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Abhishek Banerjee won by a margin of 320,000 votes, which increased to 710,000 in the 2024 elections. In the recent panchayat elections, the Trinamool Congress won most blocks uncontested.
Abhishek Banerjee's Stronghold
Despite the allegations, the Trinamool Congress has refuted these claims, asserting that the significant vote margin reflects the public's affection for Abhishek and his contributions. The 'Diamond Harbour model', which combines welfare schemes with health infrastructure development, is frequently cited by the TMC to counter the opposition's narrative against development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abhishek's active ground presence garnered attention, with supporters running community kitchens and distributing free food packets across every block.
Innovative Initiatives
In 2022, the Lok Sabha MP launched 'Ek Dakey Abhishek', allowing constituents to contact his office with their issues via a toll-free number. However, the initiative that received the most praise was 'Shraddhyaargho', under which thousands of TMC workers voluntarily contributed funds to provide monthly pensions of ₹1,000 to around 70,000 elderly citizens in the constituency.