Mamata Banerjee's Impact on Bengal: Aceso to Women Empowerment and Beyond

In the 2021 assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee led her party, Trinamool Congress (TMC), to a historic victory with a massive mandate. This triumph, which marked the third consecutive win for the TMC, defied the formidable BJP, thereby challenging the belief that a single party could achieve such a feat in independent India. The backing from the Bengali people was overwhelming, and the underlying theme of this mandate has been women empowerment.

Women Empowerment and Beyond

Despite the numerous criticisms that one may find against Mamata Banerjee, it is the significant improvements in governance and social sectors that have set the stage for her repeated mandate. It is true that unless a government can foster tangible improvements, securing a massive electoral victory becomes impossible. The data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) substantiates this assertion, as the economic indicators of West Bengal have shown substantial progress from 2011 to 2021.

The Human Development Index (HDI) in West Bengal has improved, although there is still potential for further catch-up with states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which continue to lead in this measure. Social sector allocations have seen a manifold increase, placing West Bengal among the top states in India in terms of spending. Additionally, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has reached international standards, and the infant mortality rate has seen a sharp decline, going from 18 to 16 per 1,000 live births from 2021 to 2022, according to World Bank reports. If this positive trend continues, it is expected that the infant mortality rate will be on par with Kerala and Tamil Nadu by 2025.

The argument that no government can fulfill the aspirations of all the people is valid. Even former US President Donald Trump's successful campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again," was also a promise of improvement rather than an expectation of perfection. Similarly, Mamata Banerjee, in her bid to consolidate her support, played on the emotions of the Bengali people, emphasizing her role as the 'daughter of the soil' and positioning her as a lone fighter against a gang of TMC leaders who supposedly acted with betrayal.

The Strategic Play

Trinamool Congress, under Mamata Banerjee's leadership, has effectively utilized the "daughter of soil" card, which resonated well with the Bengali electorate. As Bengali voters, her strategies and communication play a crucial role in shaping public perception. For the 2024 election, she plans to transform this slogan into "daughter of the country," symbolizing a broader national identity and a focus on national unity.

As a non-Bengali but an Indian voter, I can see parallels between Mamata Banerjee's political strategy and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders have created an image of administrative skill, economic upliftment, and national progress. While Modi has successfully portrayed Gujarat's growth as a result of his governance, Mamata Banerjee has positioned herself as a champion of Bengal, fighting against perceived political disunity within her own ranks.

However, the success of these strategies is not just about appearances. The underlying factors of governance, social reforms, and economic development are key. Mamata Banerjee's ability to deliver these tangible improvements has been critical in securing the trust and support of the Bengali people. The real key to her winning strategies lies in the core of effective governance and social reform, not just in the theatrics of national elections.