The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal is poised to be a crucial juncture in the state’s political landscape. Scheduled for May 20, 2024, this phase encompasses seven key constituencies, each with its own unique dynamics and electoral battles. As the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of this phase, it’s imperative to delve into the constituencies, candidates, and overarching political context shaping the electoral narrative.
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Constituencies Wise Candidate List for West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Phase 5
Here’s a breakdown of the candidates contesting in each constituency:
| Constituency | BJP Candidate | TMC Candidate | CPI(M) Candidate | Congress Candidate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arambag | Anup Kanti Digar | Mitali Bag | Biplab Kumar Moitra | |
| Bangaon | Shantanu Thakur | Biswajit Das | ||
| Barrackpore | Arjun Singh | Partha Bhowmick | Debdut Ghosh | |
| Hooghly | Locket Chatterjee | Rachna Banerjee | Manadip Ghosh | Mrinal Kanti Das |
| Howrah | ||||
| Sreerampur | Kabir Shankar Bose | Kalyan Banerjee | Dipsita Dhar | |
| Uluberia | Sajda Ahmed | Azahar Mollick |
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Key Constituencies and Candidates
- Arambag: A critical battleground under the SC category, witnessing a close contest between TMC’s Mitali Bag, BJP’s Anup Kanti Digar, and CPI(M)’s Biplab Kumar Moitra.
- Bangaon: The seat reserved for SC candidates, featuring a significant face-off between TMC’s Biswajit Das and BJP’s Shantanu Thakur, both influential leaders within the Matua community.
- Barrackpore: Witnessing a high-stakes battle with Arjun Singh (BJP) challenging TMC’s Partha Bhowmick and CPI(M)’s Debdut Ghosh, amidst political defections and realignments.
- Hooghly: Noteworthy for featuring two Bengali cine stars – BJP’s Locket Chatterjee and TMC’s Rachna Banerjee – in a contest that symbolizes the intersection of entertainment and politics.
- Howrah: A traditional TMC stronghold, this constituency is poised to witness a competitive electoral battle with multiple candidates vying for victory.
- Sreerampur: Historically a battleground between Congress and CPI(M), now witnessing a shift with BJP’s Kabir Shankar Bose challenging TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee.
- Uluberia: Reflecting a historical dominance of the Left Front, this constituency presents a closely contested electoral landscape with TMC’s Sajda Ahmed facing challenges from BJP’s Arun Uday Pal Chaudhary and Congress’ Azahar Mollick.
Political Context
West Bengal’s political landscape has been characterized by intense competition between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with smaller parties like the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) also vying for relevance. The state has witnessed significant political polarization and realignments in recent years, with the BJP making significant inroads, challenging the dominance of the TMC, particularly in the wake of allegations of authoritarianism and corruption against the ruling party.
Notable Battles
The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal features several notable battles that could significantly influence the state’s political trajectory:
- Arambag: A closely contested battle with TMC’s Mitali Bag, BJP’s Anup Kanti Digar, and CPI(M)’s Biplab Kumar Moitra competing for victory.
- Bangaon: A significant face-off between TMC’s Biswajit Das and BJP’s Shantanu Thakur, representing the influential Matua community.
- Barrackpore: A high-stakes battle with Arjun Singh (BJP) challenging TMC’s Partha Bhowmick, amidst political defections and realignments.
- Hooghly: Noteworthy for featuring two Bengali cine stars – BJP’s Locket Chatterjee and TMC’s Rachna Banerjee – in a contest symbolizing the intersection of entertainment and politics.
- Sreerampur: Witnessing a shift with BJP’s Kabir Shankar Bose challenging TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee in a historical battleground between Congress and CPI(M).
- Uluberia: Reflecting a historical dominance of the Left Front, presenting a closely contested electoral landscape with TMC’s Sajda Ahmed facing challenges from BJP’s Arun Uday Pal Chaudhary and Congress’ Azahar Mollick.
Voter Turnout and Previous Phases
The voter turnout in West Bengal has been historically high, reflecting the state’s vibrant democracy and politically conscious populace. Previous phases of the Lok Sabha elections witnessed enthusiastic participation, with voters actively engaging in the electoral process to exercise their democratic rights.
Importance of Phase 5
Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal holds immense significance as it encompasses several crucial constituencies that could determine the state’s political trajectory. The outcomes of these contests are expected to have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the state and could shape the narrative leading up to the final phases of the elections.
Conclusion
The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal promises to be a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape, with several key constituencies witnessing intense electoral battles. As voters head to the polls, the outcomes of these contests will not only determine the representation of the people but also have significant implications for the state’s future political dynamics. It remains to be seen how the electorate’s choices will shape the trajectory of West Bengal’s political journey in the days to come.