Victory of hyper Mamata Banerjee: Insider

Oct 05, 2025 - By Ashutosh Roy Politics

Hyper Mamata Banerjee Paradox

Hyper Mamata Banerjee has reigned as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for fifteen years. Instead of prioritizing good governance and development, she has focused more on retaining her chair. The Governance  would have earned her genuine praise.

On the contrary, she focused on development of a masterful vote machinery, mainly by divisive identity politics. While this strategy has ensured her political longevity, history’s judgment on her legacy may be harsh.

West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ascent has earned accolades from political analysts. Moreover, even the remote villagers took her as the savior. She adopts a simple image, the white saree and modest lifestyle. Thus, she skillfully casts herself as the defender of the poor, allowing her to resonate deeply with marginalized communities and women across Bengal.

The Left’s constant attacks and her dramatic hospitalization further solidified this image, giving her a critical edge. Mamata Banerjee had always shown pragmatism in her political career. She had been switching between Congress and the BJP, using these platforms cleverly for her own benefit.

Hyper Mamata Banerjee to power

Hyper Mamata Banerjee stormed into the power on a wave of popular frustration. When the people got sick and tired of the constant atrocities and injustices by Left party cadres they looked for genuine change. She successfully positioned herself as the trustworthy alternative.

The crucial Singur and Nandigram land protests became the final, fatal blow to the Left administration. The support of intellectuals and civic voices from various forums completed the transition. Consequently, she assumed the Chief Minister’s chair. Sarcastically, most of them enjoy the gifts of Mamata Banerjee today; and they have forgotten to show resilience even to the array of worst possible incidents of the city.

While coming to the power, Hyper Mamata Banerjee had a one-point agenda, thwart CPM. Once she could fulfill her primary agenda, she did not have any alternative agenda to run after. As Trinamool Congress is almost a one-member showcase, and she demands complete submission, there was no advisory board to chalk out the plan of action.

It is seemingly easier to raise hue and cry as an opposition leader, but its really difficult to run the show as a ruler. The ruler has the onus of governance and development.

Simultaneously, Mamata Banerjee had to keep the TMC cadres satisfied in such a difficult stage. Hyper Mamata Banerjee had come to the power amid the hilt of unemployment problem. In contrast, the ever-notorious SSC scam has happened during her regime.

The Supreme Court has expelled the recruitment of 26000 job holders because of institutional corruption. She had got the responsibility of enhancement of the party also as she dreamt of spreading her party across various regions of India.

Conclusion

Her long hold on power comes from her sharp pragmatism, intelligence, and her enviable ability to sense public mood. She often uses populist “doll politics” to stay connected with people. But many say that her long focus on holding power has come with a heavy price. They argue that West Bengal has fallen behind by at least a decade because of it.

Question

How Has Mamata Banerjee Managed to Stay in Power for So Long in West Bengal?

1. Has the absence of a strong and united opposition helped her consolidate power?
2. Do Bengalis prefer maintaining the status quo over political uncertainty?
3. Is there a quid pro quo nexus between the government, party, administration, and police?
4. How crucial is Trinamool Congress’s deep, cadre-based grassroots network?
5. Have millions of direct cash beneficiaries turned welfare into a winning electoral strategy?

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