The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has made a significant impact on the politics of West Bengal. Founded in 1998 under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, this party has achieved a special place in Indian politics. The Trinamool Congress’s takeover of power in West Bengal, ending the rule of the long-standing Left Front government and creating its own space, is a historic event. In thiOp report we will discuss the causes, effects, and current situation of Trinamool Congress.Ii

Establishment and initial stage

On January 1, 1998, Mamata Banerjee left the then Congress and founded the Trinamool Congress. Mamata Banerjee launched the Trinamool Congress with the aim of creating a strong opposition against the divisions in the internal politics of the Congress and the Left Front. The party won 8 seats in its first election (1998 Lok Sabha elections) in alliance with the Congress.

Public support for Mamata Banerjee’s leadership was significant. He became popular among common people due to his own program and personal side of people. Although initially the party’s strength was limited, it quickly rose due to its uncompromising and combative image in the public mind.

Early successes and challenges

From 1998 to 2001, the Trinamool Congress gradually strengthened its foothold in West Bengal politics. In the 2001 assembly elections, the TMC won a significant number of seats for the first time and played the role of a strong opposition party against the Left Front. Although they had not yet come to power, their political struggle had begun.

The party’s performance in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections was not very good, but the Trinamool Congress continued to try to connect with the people. In the 2006 assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee and her party contested the stronghold of the Left Front and suffered some setbacks. Nevertheless, the movement against the acquisition of farmers’ land in Singur and Nandigram during this period served as a turning point for the Trinamool Congress.

Singur and Nandigram Movements: Milestones in Changing Public Opinion

Movements in Singur and Nandigram played a major role in the rise of Trinamool Congress. The movement led by Mamata Banerjee against the acquisition of farmers’ land to set up Tata’s Nano factory at Singur got a huge response among the people of West Bengal. This movement spread quickly and created a strong reaction among the common people.

In 2007, the farmers’ movement against the government’s land acquisition in Nandigram made the Trinamool Congress more popular. Especially after incidents of police brutality and violence, the Trinamool Congress under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee stood with the people. These movements dealt a major blow to the Left Front government’s popularity and established the Trinamool Congress as a powerful opposition party.

2011: Rise to power and fall of the Left Front

Trinamool Congress had a huge success in the 2011 assembly elections. In this election they won 184 out of 294 seats, ending the 34-year rule of the Left Front. Mamata Banerjee became the first woman Chief Minister of West Bengal. This victory was not only a political clout, but also an end to public confidence in the Left Front.

After coming to power, the Trinamool Congress government’s first objective was development and curbing corruption in the state. Under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, the party initiated various social development projects and implemented development programs from urban to rural areas. The party especially focuses on women empowerment, education improvement and healthcare.

Reigns and Challenges

Trinamool Congress has faced several challenges during its rule. In particular, there have been criticisms of allegations of corruption, factional violence, and administrative failure. Incidents like the Saradha scam and the Narad sting operation have embarrassed the party. Also, party factionalism and growing pressure from the BJP pose major challenges for the Trinamool.

The Trinamool Congress retained its seat despite the BJP’s campaign and central agency probe ahead of the 2021 elections. The party won 213 seats in the 2021 assembly elections due to the slogan “Bangla wants its own daughter” and Mamata Banerjee’s personal popularity.

Mamata Banerjee’s leadership

Mamata Banerjee is the main driving force behind the rise of Trinamool Congress. His leadership qualities, tendency to side with people, and unwavering stand against the Left Front made him popular with the people. He is good at public relations and speaks directly to common people’s issues, which makes him unique in West Bengal politics.

Mamata Banerjee’s popularity was due to her uncompromising attitude and people’s confidence in herself. She has proved time and again that she is not just a politician but a leader who fights for common people.

Future challenges and prospects

Trinamool Congress still faces many challenges. Particularly important are the relationship with the central government, the growing influence of the BJP, and managing internal factionalism within the party. Mamata Banerjee’s leadership is essential for the party’s future, but a new generation of leaders also needs to be groomed.

The future strategy of the Trinamool Congress will depend on the state’s economic development, job creation, and development of the education and health sectors. If the party under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee can execute its program properly and retain the trust of the people, they can have a longer run in West Bengal politics.

The rise and success of Trinamool Congress marked a major change in West Bengal politics. The party led by Mamata Banerjee instilled confidence in the common people of West Bengal and ended the long rule of the Left Front. Behind their struggle and success lies direct connection with people and right decisions related to contemporary issues.

The success of Trinamool Congress is not only a result of their political strategy but also a reflection of the needs and wishes of the people of West Bengal. It remains to be seen how successful the team will be in facing the challenges ahead in the coming days. However, the Trinamool Congress has become an inescapable part of West Bengal politics, and it will be interesting to see what kind of changes their future activities will bring to West Bengal politics.