TMC stresses development plank in Champdany, blames BJP for mill closures
The Statesman | 19 April 2026
The Trinamul Congress (TMC) is focusing on development issues in the Champdany Assembly constituency, while accusing the BJP of pushing thousands of jute mill workers and their families into uncertainty over their livelihoods.
The sitting MLA of Champdany, Arindam Guin, who is also the district TMC president is contesting the seat for the second consecutive term. Known for his simple demeanour and accessibility, he has been reaching out to voters with a message of continued progress, development and expansion of beneficiary schemes.
Mr Guin said that people of the constituency are satisfied with civic services and amenities. He expressed confidence that with a “thumping victory” for the TMC, existing welfare schemes would continue and more initiatives would be launched under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He also noted that Baidyabati Municipality, in the constituency, has been recognised and felicitated thrice by the Central government for its civic services, cleanliness and waste management.
He added that if the TMC returns to power for a fourth term, plans are already in place for renovation of state-run school buildings, upgrade of medical services, establishment of a college and revamping of the drainage system. Mr Guin also criticised the Centre for its alleged indifference towards the alarming rate of erosion along the Hooghly riverbank.
In contrast, residents under Champdany Municipality continue to grapple with mosquito infestation and poor sanitation. Locals complain of relentless mosquito bites even during daytime.
Champdany, a densely-populated constituency with a multilingual population largely comprising migrants from Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha, depends heavily on three jute mills for employment.
The chairman of Champdany Municipality, Suresh Mishra, said that people are satisfied with ongoing development work, including road improvements, drinking water connections, enhanced medical services and the establishment of educational institutions in Urdu and Hindi medium. He claimed that government welfare schemes have reached every household and that civic awareness programmes are being conducted to promote cleanliness.
However, he acknowledged issues with drainage and sanitation, noting that the DVC irrigation canal, regulated by water gates at its confluence with the Hooghly, remains neglected, clogged with filth and aquatic weeds. Stagnant water has become a breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes.
Mr Mishra alleged that the closure of jute mills ahead of elections is a recurring issue linked to shortages of raw jute and lack of production orders, both of which fall under the purview of the Central government. He accused the BJP-led Centre of engaging in “pre-planned dirty politics” to deprive migrant workers, who often return to their native states during closures, of their voting rights.
Opposition candidates, however, have strongly criticised the civic administration. BJP candidate Mr Dilip Singh and CPI-M candidate Mr Chandranath Banerjee alleged that Champdany Municipality has failed to provide basic civic amenities. They cited poor sanitation, waterlogging, overflowing drains and mosquito infestation as persistent problems. They also blamed a lack of coordination between the state and central governments, along with flawed industrial policies, for the decline of the jute industry.
Congress candidate Pritam Ghosh criticised the state government over the condition of the education sector, alleging inadequate infrastructure and declining student numbers in primary schools. He also raised concerns over corruption, lawlessness and the politicisation of religious sentiments. Claiming growing public support, he said voters are disillusioned with the Left Front, BJP and TMC, and are looking to Congress for “corruption-free governance and holistic development”.
Despite the criticism, the TMC candidate remains the principal contender in the constituency, enjoying the support of a significant section of voters.
Residents, meanwhile, believe that the final election outcome may be influenced by issues such as deletion of names from the SIR and alleged voter polarisation.