The Historical Background of Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated on the east bank of the Hooghly River and has a rich cultural, historical, and political significance. Kolkata was the capital of British India until 1911, and it played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle.

After independence, Kolkata became the capital of West Bengal and continued to be a hub of politics, education, and culture. The city has seen several political upheavals, including the Naxalite movement in the 1970s and the Singur-Nandigram land acquisition protests in the 2000s.

The Political Scenario in Kolkata

Kolkata has always been a bastion of leftist politics, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) ruling the state for over three decades. However, in 2011, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee, ended the CPI(M)’s reign in the state.

Since then, TMC has been the dominant political force in West Bengal, with Kolkata being its stronghold. The party has won the last two assembly elections in the state, and Mamata Banerjee has been the Chief Minister of West Bengal for over a decade.

Kolkata’s Role in National Politics

Kolkata has always been an important player in national politics. It has produced several stalwarts, including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. Kolkata has also been the birthplace of several political parties, including the Indian National Congress.

Currently, Kolkata has 9 Lok Sabha constituencies and 294 assembly constituencies. In the 2019 general elections, TMC won all 9 Lok Sabha seats from Kolkata, highlighting the party’s dominance in the city.

The Future of Kolkata’s Political Landscape

Kolkata’s political future seems to be closely linked with that of West Bengal. The state is set to go to polls in 2024, and the TMC is expected to face a tough challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The BJP has been making steady inroads in West Bengal, and it won 18 out of 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the 2019 general elections. The party has been targeting Kolkata as well, with several senior leaders visiting the city frequently.

Conclusion

Kolkata’s political importance on India’s map cannot be overstated. The city has played a crucial role in India’s history, and it continues to be a hub of politics, culture, and education. With the state set to go to polls in 2024, all eyes will be on Kolkata, and it remains to be seen which political party will emerge victorious.

Regardless of the outcome, Kolkata will always remain an important player in India’s political landscape.