Steeped in political, cultural, and literary heritage, Bhabanipur has long been associated with some of Bengal’s most influential figures. The constituency has housed icons such as Subhas Chandra Bose, Chittaranjan Das, educationist Ashutosh Mukherjee and his son Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, former Chief Minister Siddhartha Shankar Ray, filmmakers Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, and Mrinal Sen, as well as celebrated actors Uttam Kumar and Guru Dutt, and musician Hemant Kumar.
This election marks a defining moment in the constituency’s political trajectory. While Bhabanipur was historically a stronghold of the Congress party, even during much of the Left Front era, it has been firmly held by the Trinamool Congress since Banerjee consolidated her base here in 2011. The contest now represents a direct confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, with Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) also present on the ground.
The constituency reflects a diverse social fabric, housing the revered Kalighat Kali Temple, major Sikh religious institutions, colonial-era churches, Brahmo Samaj halls, and several mosques. Campaigning has been intense, with Banerjee conducting frequent roadshows across familiar streets, engaging directly with residents and addressing gatherings at street corners daily.
A long-time resident of Harish Chatterjee Street, Banerjee’s connection to Bhabanipur runs deep. She studied at a local school and graduated from Ashutosh College, where she was actively involved in student politics. Local residents recall her early political activism vividly. Amol, who works at an 80-year-old eatery near the college, remembers her leading student protests and describes her as a figure rooted in the locality despite her position as Chief Minister.
In contrast, Adhikari, who hails from Nandigram in Purba Medinipur, faces the challenge of being perceived as an outsider in this traditional south Kolkata constituency. However, his political stature remains significant, particularly after defeating Banerjee in Nandigram in the 2021 election by a narrow margin following his defection from the Trinamool Congress to the Bharatiya Janata Party. His campaign in Bhabanipur has featured large public rallies and roadshows, drawing supporters who often travel from outside the constituency.
Residents describe a changing political atmosphere. While some maintain confidence in Banerjee’s dominance, others note emerging dissent. Aditi Sircar, a long-time resident, asserts that Banerjee is unlikely to lose the seat but acknowledges hearing increasing criticism of her leadership in areas with non-Bengali populations.
Bharat Mehta, a businessman whose family migrated from Kutch in 1953, describes the election as a matter of prestige for Banerjee. He suggests that Adhikari’s focus on Bhabanipur may be misplaced given his roots in Nandigram, yet he also notes dissatisfaction among some voters due to broader political and economic concerns. Mehta highlights issues such as cross-border infiltration, shifting business ownership patterns in traditional markets, the RG Kar case, and the state’s economic slowdown. He observes that several members of the Gujarati community have relocated to cities such as Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, with others considering similar moves.
Conversely, younger professionals present a different perspective. Investment banker Karabi Ghosh states that she considers West Bengal a safe place for women, a sentiment echoed by other residents, including Sircar.
The constituency also reflects a growing divide between Bengali and non-Bengali communities. Sukhwinder Singh, a Sikh taxi operator, expresses support for Banerjee, citing her outreach to his community and visits to local religious institutions. Meanwhile, Ratan Kumar, a taxi driver originally from Bihar, indicates a desire for political change, stating that voters who previously supported the Trinamool Congress are now reconsidering their choices.
As the polling date approaches, Bhabanipur remains politically charged. Evening campaign meetings by both major parties extend late into the night to avoid the summer heat, keeping the neighbourhood active and engaged. Residents, however, view this as a temporary phase. Srijan Saha, a young banker, remarks that the heightened activity and energy of the election season will soon subside, returning the locality to its routine calm.
The Bhabanipur contest has evolved into a symbolic battle with far-reaching implications for West Bengal’s political landscape. For Banerjee, it is a test of her enduring influence in a constituency she has nurtured for over a decade. For Adhikari, it represents an opportunity to establish himself as a formidable force capable of challenging the state’s most dominant political figure. The outcome is expected to shape the future direction of politics in the region.
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