Author: Ranajit Kumar Mondal & Dr. Rajni
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04060015
Abstract: West Bengal occupies a distinctive position in Indian politics because of its long history of ideological movements, strong political mobilization, linguistic and cultural identity, and the sustained influence of regional political forces. The political trajectory of the state has been shaped not only by national political parties but also by regionally rooted organizations, leaders, social movements, caste and community interests, and local political networks. The rise of regional political forces has significantly transformed the nature of electoral competition, governance, political communication, welfare politics, and centre–state relations in West Bengal. Historically, the state experienced prolonged dominance of the Indian National Congress and subsequently the Left Front, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Since 2011, the All India Trinamool Congress has emerged as the principal regional political force, fundamentally restructuring the political landscape. At the same time, the growing presence of the Bharatiya Janata Party has introduced a new dimension of political competition, particularly through the mobilization of cultural, religious, and national political identities. This article examines the historical evolution, social foundations, electoral significance, governance strategies, and contemporary challenges associated with regional political forces in West Bengal. It argues that regional political forces have played a crucial role in articulating local aspirations, strengthening participatory politics, and influencing welfare-oriented governance, while also contributing to political polarization and competitive identity politics. The study adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach based on secondary sources, including books, scholarly studies, government documents, election-related materials, and relevant academic literature. The article concludes that the future of West Bengal politics will depend on the interaction between regional aspirations, national political narratives, welfare politics, democratic institutions, and changing patterns of voter behaviour.
Keywords: Regional Politics, West Bengal, Trinamool Congress, Left Front, Political Mobilization, Welfare Politics.
Page No: 129-140