Beldanga: Development vs polarisation shapes 4-cornered contest
The Statesman | 11 April 2026
Beldanga in Murshidabad is heading into the 2026 Assembly elections amid a sharply altered political and social landscape, where development narratives are increasingly being overshadowed by religious polarisation.
The shift can be traced back to the unrest during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in 2019, piloted by Union home minister Amit Shah. What began as demonstrations soon spiralled into clashes, arson and road blockades, leaving behind a legacy of mistrust. The district, which had largely remained insulated from major communal violence for decades despite a sizeable minority population, has since witnessed recurring tensions ~ be it during Ram Navami processions or Muharram gatherings.
Beldanga, once known for its industrious character ~ from its thriving gamchha trade to employment at the now-defunct sugar mill ~ finds itself grappling with deeper anxieties. Civic concerns such as poor infrastructure, lack of employment opportunities, and demands for an over bridge persist, but they are no longer the central electoral issues. Instead, identity politics has taken centre stage. With a demographic composition of roughly 44 per cent Hindus and 56 per cent Muslims, Beldanga presents fertile ground for polarisation. Political observers believe that this delicate balance could significantly influence the outcome in what is shaping up to be a four-cornered fight.
The Trinamul Congress has fielded veteran leader Rabiyul Alam Chowdhury, shifting him from Rejinagar, while dropping the incumbent. The BJP has nominated former Trinamul leader and ex-municipal chief Bharat Jhawar. The Congress has put up businessman Saharuddin Sheikh, while Humayun Kabir’s Aam Janata Unnayan Party has fielded Syed Ahmed Kabir, who also enjoys the backing of Asaduddin Owaisi. The presence of multiple players has complicated the electoral arithmetic, particularly in terms of minority vote consolidation or division.
While the BJP is banking on consolidating Hindu votes, Trinamul’s prospects hinge on retaining a unified minority base, which could be threatened by both the Congress and Humayun Kabir’s outfit.
Interestingly, both Rabiyul Alam Chowdhury and Bharat Jhawar share a long political association, having once worked together in Trinamul under chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Their personal rapport, however, is unlikely to dilute the intensity of the contest on the ground. The BJP candidate is projecting his administrative experience as former municipal head, while also banking on the party’s organisational growth in select panchayat pockets.
On the other hand, Trinamul leaders assert that the government welfare schemes and organisational strength across the municipality and panchayats will ensure an advantage. Congress, which held the seat until 2021, hopes to regain lost ground, buoyed by its relatively strong showing in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in this segment. Meanwhile, Humayun Kabir’s party is attempting to capitalise on religious sentiments, particularly around the proposed Babri mosque issue, which has added another layer of complexity to the contest. Local residents acknowledge that the Mamata Banerjee government welfare initiatives have improved living conditions across communities. Yet, there is also a palpable sense of unease, with many traders choosing to shut shops during religious processions, irrespective of community, reflecting a growing climate of fear.
Ultimately, Beldanga’s electoral verdict may depend on whether development regains primacy or polarisation deepens further. If Hindu votes consolidate, the BJP stands to gain. Conversely, a united minority vote could favour Trinamul ~ but any split could open the door for an upset. As campaigning intensifies, Beldanga encapsulates the broader political churn in Bengal, where governance and identity are locked in a decisive battle.