I must admit, it was one hell of a state assembly elections 2 of the most politically charged and animated landscapes in India’s political history. And the outcome has been nothing short of a revelation.
Let’s start with Tamil Nadu. Dominated by the Dravidian parties for almost 6 decades, I did not expect this coming. Yes, going by the grapevine, I was expecting TVK to grab a few substantial seats and sit comfortably in the opposition, chewing much more than they would expect. But TVK surpassed all my expectations. Competing against a powerhouse like DMK and Stalin is no mean feat, and toppling them in such style is something that only happens in movies. I have only heard about the aura of MGR or the magic of NTR, never expected such a fairy tale to unfold in our times. Though I have no idea about the arsenal Vijay/TVK (apologies, he is now the honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu) possess nor am I aware about his abilities as a political leader, but nevertheless, this is a story that needs to be told. Obviously the bigger question is – do Vijay and TVK have it in them to fight lineage, powerful political vendettas and swirling controversies to hold the fort – is a matter to debate and talk for the next 5 years (if he is around for 5 years, that is). But for now, we are basking in TVK and Vijay’s glory, and I don’t mind celebrating such an ominous victory at all.
Now, West Bengal. My hometown. What can I say? A political potboiler for decades since Jyoti Basu took his acclaimed position in Writer’s Building as the Chief Minister of Bengal. Rest, as they infamously say, was pure, brutal, unflinching, disastrous history in the making. For me, and let me reiterate that I am not against communism, the Left under Jyoti Basu’s leadership, completely destroyed Calcutta. From being India’s numero uno city in terms of literature, industries, talent marketplace and a hub of job opportunities in the 40s and 50s, the fortunes of Calcutta came dwindling down in the aftermath of communist ideologies and utter lack of vision, the very attribute that Calcutta stood for in that era. Almost 4 decades of CPI(M) rule took away everything Calcutta had, and in the name of progress, there was none. Then in 2011, came TMC and our beloved Didi. She vowed to change the landscape in Calcutta, tall claims were made in the name of leadership and redemption. 2026 happened – and here we are. BJP makes a grand entry in to Bengal, and Didi has been overthrown. Thanks to her political infidelity and assuming invincibility (Saradha Scam, RG Kar incident are fine examples), she remained oblivious of the fact that she was slowly fading away in to obscurity. I think this is what happened – Bengal don’t love BJP, but they definitely don’t love Didi anymore. In fact, people have started despising her, which clearly indicates that the bridges of hope, goodwill and expectations are now burnt and dusted. But will BJP’s resurgence in Bengal help to redeem its lost glory? I don’t know, but certainly would hope for a slice of the pie falling on its lap, which might do Calcutta and Bengal a world of good.
For now, let’s see if the leadership in both these states shines or whines. But as we speak, celebrations galore and for the right reasons.
@Lifeoholic 