Summary
Congress MP Isha Khan Choudhury has shared his views on the current political state of West Bengal as the 2026 Assembly elections move into their second phase. As the only Congress representative from the state in Parliament, he explained why his party struggled in the past and what challenges they face now. He believes that fear and religious division have taken over the political conversation, leaving real problems like jobs and land erosion behind. His comments highlight a deep divide in how the state is being governed and how elections are being fought.
Main Impact
The primary impact of these developments is a shift in how voters perceive their choices. According to Choudhury, the 2021 elections were defined by a sense of panic regarding citizenship and religious identity. This same pattern seems to be repeating in 2026 with new controversies over voter lists. This environment makes it difficult for parties to talk about the economy or public services. It also forces smaller parties like the Congress to fight harder to show they are a valid choice for people who are tired of the constant fighting between the two largest parties.
Key Details
What Happened
During a campaign event for Congress candidate Ranajit Mukherjee, Isha Khan Choudhury spoke about the "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) of the electoral rolls. This is a process used to update the list of people allowed to vote. He claimed that this process has been used to create fear among the public, much like the National Register of Citizens (NRC) did in the previous election. He argued that while the BJP uses these issues to gain an advantage, the TMC uses them to position itself as the only protector of the people.
Important Numbers and Facts
The most striking figure mentioned was the deletion of 28 lakh names from the voter lists. Choudhury described this as a major failure for democracy. He noted that this happened because of the way Artificial Intelligence (AI) was used to check the lists. In many cases, simple spelling mistakes led to people being removed from the rolls entirely. He also pointed out that the Congress is running independently in this election for the first time in 20 years, marking a significant change in their strategy to rebuild their own identity in the state.
Background and Context
To understand why this matters, one must look at the history of West Bengal politics over the last few years. In 2021, the state saw a very intense battle where the BJP tried to make major gains. At that time, the talk of the NRC made many people, especially in minority communities, very nervous about their future in the country. The TMC was able to win a large majority by promising to stop the BJP. This environment left the Congress with no seats in the state assembly for the first time. Now, in 2026, the Congress is trying to prove that it can stand on its own without relying on alliances that might have hidden its true message in the past.
Public or Industry Reaction
The reaction to the voter list changes has been one of confusion and anger. The BJP and the TMC have been blaming each other for the mess. The BJP claims the state government did not provide enough workers to handle the data correctly. On the other hand, the TMC says the entire process was a conspiracy by the central government to take away people's right to vote. Choudhury mentioned that the Supreme Court even criticized the Election Commission for how the process was handled. Within the Congress party, there is a feeling that they must act as a "true secular" alternative to stop the state from being divided only by religion.
What This Means Going Forward
Looking ahead, the success of the Congress will depend on whether they can convince voters to focus on "roti, kapda, makaan"—which means food, clothing, and shelter. If the election continues to be about fear and voter list errors, the smaller parties may continue to struggle. However, if voters start to prioritize the lack of local jobs and the environmental issues like the erosion of the Ganga river, the political map could change. The Congress is currently in a "recovery stage," and the 2026 results will show if their plan to run alone was the right move to save their future in West Bengal.
Final Take
The political battle in West Bengal is no longer just about who has the best policies for growth. It has become a fight over identity and the right to vote itself. While the big parties use fear to win support, the basic needs of the people often get lost in the noise. The Congress party’s attempt to return to its roots and fight for unity is a bold move in a very divided environment. Whether the people of Bengal are ready to move past the politics of fear will be the most important question answered when the final votes are counted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Congress party lose so badly in 2021?
According to MP Isha Khan Choudhury, the party lost because the election became focused on religious division and fear regarding the NRC. This led voters to choose between the BJP and the TMC, leaving no room for the Congress.
What is the controversy regarding the voter lists?
About 28 lakh names were removed from the electoral rolls during a recent update. Critics say the use of AI caused many genuine voters to be deleted because of minor errors, which has led to claims of unfairness in the election process.
What are the main issues Congress wants to focus on?
The Congress party wants to focus on high unemployment, the migration of workers to other states for jobs, and the physical erosion of land near the Ganga river, which affects many residents in West Bengal.
