Kolkata: Elections in West Bengal since Independence have always been fought on the basis of ideologies, policies of the government, labour rights, and farmer’s well-being. But in 2016, the issue of corruption has taken centre stage in the state. It can be gauged from the fact election rallies and political wall writings have been marked with campaigns, slogans and counter slogans on corruption.
Post Saradha scam in which thousands of small investors had been duped and Narbada sting operation, which has purportedly shown some leaders of TMC accepting bribes, the issue of corruption has evolved as the main poll plank for the Congress-Left Front alliance, apart from “restoration of democracy” in TMC-ruled Bengal.
For Mamata Banerjee though, the development work carried out in TMC’s five-year tenure is the main plank of the campaign along with the anti-incumbency of the 34-year-long Left rule. In her speeches too, Banerjee has highlighted the work done by the government. Banerjee though never forgets to says that Centre was responsible for lack of funds in West Bengal. Although, it’s not that big as a poll issue.
The recent flyover collapse, which had claimed 27 lives, too has raised the issue of corruption on the state PWD department. Just a few days of the elections, the flyover tragedy became a major topic as most of the political parties reached the spot.
Job creation has emerged as one of the major poll issues as a number of educated people are leaving West Bengal for bigger cities to secure jobs. BJP is trying to play employment card in order to reap maximum polls benefits as in West Bengal a major chunk of voters is youth, who seek job.
