Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 24, 2025, North Dumdum : With the Assembly elections scheduled for March 26, the political landscape in West Bengal has witnessed significant shifts, as parties intensify their efforts to consolidate their influence. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is making notable strides in expanding its base ahead of the crucial polls.
In a recent development, Haldia MLA Tapsi Mandal defected from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to join the Trinamool Congress. Following this, another major political has taken place, this time within the Left camp. Sandhya Rani Mandal, a prominent councilor from North Dumdum Municipality, has parted ways with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and joined the Trinamool Congress.
Sandhya Rani Mandal represented Ward No. 15 of North Dumdum Municipality and was a key opposition figure in the region. Notably, she was the only CPI(M) councilor, akin to the Shivaratri Salat case in North Dumdum. Her departure marks a significant setback for the Left, further diminishing its political hold in the area.
Her formal induction into the Trinamool Congress was officiated by State Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, who handed over the party flag in a symbolic gesture. This shift comes in the wake of the 2022 municipal elections, where Trinamool Congress secured victory in 33 out of the 34 wards in North Dumdum Municipality. Ward No. 15 had remained the only bastion of CPI(M), with Sandhya Rani Mandal holding the position for three years as a dedicated representative of her party.
Her decision to align with the Trinamool Congress ahead of the elections underscores the growing influence of the ruling party and its strategic efforts to consolidate power before the upcoming polls. Political observers believe this move could further weaken the Left’s presence in the region, setting the stage for a more challenging electoral battle for the opposition parties.
