As West Bengal heads toward its 2026 state elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee finds herself entangled in two major political crises that threaten to undermine her rule.
The unrest in Murshidabad and the School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment scandal are intensifying scrutiny of her administration, creating substantial challenges for her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party’s re-election prospects.
The Murshidabad Unrest: Tensions on the Brink
Murshidabad, a district in West Bengal, has recently become the flashpoint for violent protests, bringing long-standing issues to the forefront.
While the reasons behind the unrest are varied, at its core, it reflects widespread socioeconomic frustrations, a sense of marginalization, and simmering communal tensions. For ordinary citizens, this unrest signifies more than just political noise—it’s about a government failing to address deep-rooted grievances.
All permission for Anti Waqf protests must be immediately denied in the State, what happened today at Murshidabad is extremely shameful. pic.twitter.com/gSwVWxXeJy
— Sudhanidhi Bandyopadhyay (@SudhanidhiB) April 11, 2025
What makes this situation more precarious is the region’s large Muslim population, a key demographic that Mamata Banerjee’s party has relied on. The opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is eager to capitalize on any misstep by Mamata’s government in handling these sensitive issues.
This puts significant pressure on Mamata Banerjee, who now faces the daunting task of quelling unrest while keeping her Muslim voter base intact.
Murshidabad in West Bengal a while ago.
Supposed protest against Waqf Law.
Vandalism, arson, attack on police.
Such rioting continues despite the CMs reassurances of protection to the Muslim community pic.twitter.com/mRaqy80G6u— Padmaja Joshi (@PadmajaJoshi) April 11, 2025
The SSC Scandal: A Tarnished Reputation
If the unrest in Murshidabad is an immediate challenge, the SSC recruitment scandal is a slow-burning disaster that has severely damaged Mamata Banerjee’s reputation. The Calcutta High Court recently annulled over 25,000 teacher appointments, which were allegedly marred by corruption and favoritism.
The scandal has put the spotlight on the fairness of the state’s recruitment processes, eroding public trust in Mamata’s administration.
The opposition has seized on this scandal, painting Mamata Banerjee’s government as one mired in corruption and mismanagement.
This narrative could be damaging, as the SSC scandal speaks directly to the integrity of the state’s institutions and whether Mamata can maintain fairness and transparency.
For citizens, it feels like a betrayal—people who once saw Mamata as a champion of the common man now feel let down by a government that seems more focused on political survival than on justice.
Kolkata News – Victims of SSC Scam lay siege to SSC chairman’s office and he was allowed to leave after 40 hours.
This controversy might prove costly for TMC. pic.twitter.com/2UkpAWVvjI
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) April 24, 2025
Mamata’s Strengths and Path Forward
Despite the current turmoil, Mamata Banerjee is not without her political strengths. She still commands significant loyalty, especially among Muslim voters and women, thanks to her populist policies and grassroots connections.
Programs like Lakshmir Bhandar, which provide direct financial aid to women, are part of the strategy that has built her support base. But whether these initiatives can outweigh the negative effects of the Murshidabad unrest and the SSC scandal remains uncertain.
Mamata Banerjee’s response to these crises will likely include several key strategies:
- Damage Control: She must quickly address the issues in Murshidabad, restore peace, and demonstrate that her government is committed to solving long-standing problems.
- Counter-Narrative: Aggressively countering the allegations surrounding the SSC scandal will be vital. Mamata will need to showcase her government’s efforts to punish those responsible and restore faith in the system.
- Reinforcing Support: By bolstering her traditional vote banks—particularly through targeted welfare schemes—Mamata can consolidate her base.
- Strong Leadership: Focusing on the development work her government has accomplished will help present her as a leader who remains committed to the welfare of the state’s people.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake for 2026?
The 2026 Bengal elections are shaping up to be a fierce battle. With the opposition, especially the BJP, using these crises to challenge Mamata’s dominance, her ability to navigate the Murshidabad unrest and the SSC scandal will determine her political fate.
Can Mamata recover from these setbacks, or will the opposition succeed in turning these crises into a referendum on her leadership?
For now, Mamata Banerjee faces a critical juncture. Her ability to address these challenges with transparency and accountability will be crucial in regaining the trust of the people.
The path to victory in 2026 will depend on how effectively she manages these crises—and whether she can do so without losing her core support base.
Also Read Is RSS and BJP Behind the Violence in Bengal? Mamata Speaks Out!
