Author: Zinnat Sultana
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04020015
Abstract: This research paper presents a comparative analysis of women’s political participation in West Bengal during two distinct political eras: the Left Front regime (1977–2011) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration (2011–present). Historically, the Left Front laid the foundation for women’s mobilization through its cadre-based organizational structure and the implementation of 33% reservation in Panchayats in 1993. However, women’s roles remained largely confined to party discipline and grassroots activism, with limited representation in top-tier decision-making bodies. In contrast, the TMC era, led by Mamata Banerjee, shifted the paradigm toward a ‘charismatic and beneficiary-oriented’ model. By increasing Panchayat reservation to 50% and launching direct-benefit schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar and Kanyashree, the TMC has successfully cultivated a distinct ‘women’s vote bank.’ This period is marked by higher visibility of women in parliamentary politics and greater financial agency. Despite these advancements, both regimes face persistent challenges such as ‘proxy politics’, gendered political violence, and the ‘glass ceiling’ within party hierarchies. The study concludes that while the Left Front provided the structural base for political socialization, the TMC transformed women into a decisive and independent political force in West Bengal.
Keywords:
Women’s Political Participation, West Bengal Politics, Left Front vs. Trinamool Congress,Panchayati Raj Reservation, Gendered Populism, Empowerment and Proxy Politics.
Page No: 127-134