The political landscape in West Bengal was ignited as both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held rallies in Cooch Behar, merely 30 kilometers apart. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) emerged as a central theme, making the Cooch Behar-CAA blend pivotal for the BJP and the Trinamool Congress in the ongoing Lok Sabha election.
The proximity of two major political rallies underscored the high stakes in West Bengal, particularly in Cooch Behar and the neighboring Lok Sabha seats, slated for the first phase of polling on April 19. These constituencies hold significance for both parties; the BJP aims to retain them to pursue its ambitious electoral goals, while the Trinamool seeks to reclaim lost ground and thwart the BJP's ascendance in the state.
The CAA took center stage during the rallies, given the demographic composition of the region. North Bengal shares a border with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, harboring persecuted Hindus, tribals, and marginalized communities. The BJP's pitch on the rights of persecuted Hindus resonates strongly here, especially among communities like Matuas and Rajbongshis, who stand to benefit from the CAA.
In the 2019 polls, the BJP's success in these seats was attributed to its focus on the CAA-NRC narrative. Prime Minister Modi reiterated his commitment to the CAA, accusing the opposition, particularly the Trinamool, of spreading falsehoods about the legislation. He championed the cause of providing citizenship to those who believe in the nation's ethos, while also condemning the Trinamool's alleged involvement in local atrocities.
On the other hand, Mamata Banerjee vehemently opposed the CAA and NRC, branding them as tools to marginalize legal citizens. She accused the BJP of disseminating misinformation about the CAA and criticized the inclusion of a census department member in the CAA committee. Banerjee vowed to resist the implementation of CAA and NRC in West Bengal, asserting that applying for citizenship under these laws would lead to being labeled as a foreigner.
The CAA has emerged as a significant electoral issue, with both parties attempting to leverage it to their advantage. As the election progresses through its phases, the CAA discourse is expected to continue shaping voter sentiments and influencing electoral outcomes in West Bengal. The Cooch Behar-CAA concoction thus remains a critical factor in the electoral dynamics of the region, with far-reaching implications for the BJP and the Trinamool.
