Big battle in Bengal’s Bhabanipur seat:Mamata holds ‘Mini India’ in mind, Suvendu stays in contest

On Paddapukur Road in South Kolkata, the 140-year-old Balaram Mullick Radharaman Mullick sweet shop has a tray of pedas carrying symbols of all political parties, with the message “Sweetness for everyone”. But in Bhabanipur, where the shop is located, political bitterness is clearly visible. On Bengal’s most talked-about seat, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, known as Didi, is facing BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, known as Dada. Mamata is trying to protect her 15 years in power, while Suvendu, who defeated her in Nandigram, is trying to repeat that result. Voting will take place on April 29. This seat has become a matter of prestige for the Trinamool Congress and a psychological battle for the BJP. The mixed population makes the contest even more interesting. The area has 42% Bengali Hindus, 34% non-Bengali Hindus and 24% Muslims. Gujaratis, Punjabi Sikhs, Marwari Jains and migrants also live here. In this area, often called “Mini India”, a businessman said, “Our family has done business here for two generations, but we have never seen an election like this. Earlier, people openly supported one party or another, but this time no one wants to speak.” Mamata’s Connect versus BJP’s Micro Mapping Mamata is fighting the election through family connections and visible campaigning, while the BJP is pushing a stronger challenge through Suvendu Adhikari’s aggressive image, Hindutva and booth-level micro-mapping. At a roadshow held two days ago, Mamata’s brother Babun Banerjee and several family members took part. The BJP has focused its campaign on Suvendu Adhikari’s aggressive style and the Hindutva issue. The party has carried out booth-level mapping and brought in senior leaders from other states. Former Governor and BJP leader Tathagata Roy said, “If Bengal is to remain Hindu-majority, then Mamata must be removed.” Displeasure with ‘Didi’ on security, but ‘Mamata’ (her schemes) are popular Public opinion in Bhabanipur is divided. Sumona Nath, who lives on Harish Mukherjee Road, said, “After incidents like RG Kar, women’s safety is a major concern. Fifteen years is a long time, now we need to change.” In contrast, an elderly resident in Patuapara near Kalighat Temple said, “Mamata is like a daughter of our house.” A woman from his home said she receives money from the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, while her daughter benefits from the Kanyashree scheme. Young voters said, “We need education and jobs. We will vote for whoever provides both.” A priest at Kalighat Temple said, “No one can defeat Didi here.” This shows the contest is caught between anti-incumbency feelings and support for welfare schemes. CM’s Residence in Ancestral Home Near Kalighat Temple Mamata Banerjee lives in her ancestral home, around 100 metres from Kalighat Temple. There is heavy security at both ends of the lane. Returning from campaigning on Saturday night, she stopped amid chants of “Jai Bangla” to meet supporters. ​