The ongoing vote count for the 293 Assembly seats in West Bengal reveals that Trinamool Congress candidates are trailing in four crucial districts. These districts include Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri in North Bengal, and Jhargram and West Burdwan in South Bengal.
In Jhargram district, comprising Nayagram, Gopiballavpur, Jhargram, and Binpur (ST) constituencies, BJP candidates are currently ahead in all four seats. Historically a CPI(M) stronghold, Jhargram transitioned into a Trinamool Congress bastion post-2011, situated in the tribal-dominated Jangalmahal area.
During the Left Front regime in West Bengal, Jhargram district transformed into a significant Maoist stronghold. Similarly, in Alipurduar district, encompassing Kumargram (ST), Kalchini (ST), Alipurduar, Falakata (SC), and Madarihat (ST) constituencies, BJP candidates are leading in all five seats as of 10:30 a.m.
Jalpaiguri district, with constituencies like Dhupguri (SC), Maynaguri (SC), Jalpaiguri (SC), and others, sees BJP candidates in the lead across all seven seats. Both Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri, known for their tea gardens, have tribal and Rajbangshi voters playing crucial roles in elections.
In West Burdwan district, which includes Pandabeswar, Durgapur (Purba), Durgapur (Paschim), and other constituencies, BJP candidates are leading in all seven seats. Notably, in Asansol (Dakshin), BJP’s Agnimitra Paul, a sitting legislator and former fashion designer, maintains a comfortable lead.
West Burdwan, known for its coal mines and steel industry, is a significant industrial hub in West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his pre-election rallies, had predicted that Trinamool Congress might struggle to secure wins in several districts in West Bengal.
