কথা দিও না

Guest Column

by

নীলাকাশ

Amity University

Pexels

দেওয়া ছিল যত কথা।

রাখা রয়ে গেল, পেল না পূর্ণতা।

না রাখা কথার ভিড়ে, 

একাকিত্বই হাত ধরে।

অগুন্তি মৃত কথার বৃত্তে,

আমার অনন্ত বসবাস-

ঘৃণার বিষক্রিয়ায় জর্জরিত চিত্ত।

দেওয়া ছিল যত কথা।

কালের খননে ভাসিয়ে আবর্তে,

জমা যত না রাখা কথার ঢেউ,

তলাই আমি, নাহি কেউ উদ্ধার্তে।

ভেঙেছে কথার স্বরলিপি,

সুরহারা বীণার নাই যে মুক্তি,

পোড়াবো আজ জীবন গানের শিলালিপি।

দেওয়া ছিল যত কথা - হোল না রাখা,

জমিয়ে গেল শুধু অপরাধ।

না রাখা কথা যতই জমে,

কথার মৃত্যু কথার অভিমানে।

কথার শব নাই পায় সমাধি - শুধুই নীরবতা,

ধিকি ধিকি মৃত কথার জ্বলন্ত চিতা।

***

Every Click tells a story

Guest Column

An opinion

Partha Pratim Mukherjee

Digital Forensic & Financial Crime Investigator

Created by Partha Pratim Mukherjee

 

There was a time when privacy was simple.

You closed your front door, drew the curtains, and your personal life remained exactly that  personal. Conversations faded into memory, photographs stayed inside family albums, and the places you visited were known only to the people who saw you there.

Today, privacy has quietly changed its meaning.

As a digital forensic investigator, I have spent more than two decades examining computers, mobile phones and digital devices. People often ask me if technology has made investigations easier. My answer surprises them. Technology does not create evidence, it preserves it. Every search, every message, every photograph, every payment and every location leaves behind a silent record. People forget. Devices remember. Digital forensics simply helps us read the memories left behind.

Have you ever noticed? You casually talk about buying a new phone, planning a vacation, or ordering a pair of shoes. A few hours later, advertisements for those very things begin appearing on your social media feeds, search results, and shopping apps.

Coincidence? Perhaps not.

The irony is that we rarely think about privacy when we trade it for convenience.

We grant permissions to applications without reading them. We connect to public Wi-Fi without a second thought. We use the same password for everything because it’s convenient. We click “Accept” far more often than we stop to ask, “What exactly am I agreeing to?”

Every permission we grant is a small act of trust. Access to our location, contacts, photographs, camera or microphone may enable useful features, but it also expands the amount of personal information our devices and applications can access.

Have you ever wondered how free apps make money? 

Data is the new currency. Many digital services are free because we pay not with money, but with our data. As the saying goes, “If you’re not paying for the product, you’re the product.”

What makes your data so valuable? 

Because data tells a story about us. It reveals our interests, habits, preferences and behaviour. The more companies understand us, the better they can personalise services, recommend products and deliver advertisements tailored specifically to us.

Technology has transformed the way we communicate, learn, work and live. The challenge is not to reject it, but to understand the price of convenience. Before installing an app, granting a permission or sharing personal information, pause for a moment and ask yourself a simple question: Do I really need to share this?

Perhaps privacy is not a myth. We just keep trading it for convenience. 

(Author's opinion)

সখী পরকিয়া কারে কয়?

Guest Column

A relationship commentary

Amritakana Majumder

Author & Teacher

Pexels

সেদিন হঠাৎ ইনস্টাগ্রামে একজন ভদ্রমহিলা আমার ইনস্টা প্রোফাইলের একটি ছবির স্ট্যাটাসে কমেন্ট করে বসলেন, আচ্ছা, আপনি কি পরকীয়াতে বিশ্বাসী? কি মনে হয় আপনার এসব কি ঠিক? আজন্ম প্রেমে বিশ্বাসী আমি অযথা এমন প্রশ্নে বেশ বিরক্ত হয়েই মহিলাকে আনফলো করলাম। ভালোবাসার আবার বিশ্বাস - অবিশ্বাস কি? এর আবার বৈধ - অবৈধতাই বা কিসের? একটা ছবির স্ট্যাটাসের কিছু কথা থেকে এসব নিয়ে আমি ভাবতে পারি এমনটাই বা স্থির করলো কে? কেমন যেনো ভাবালো। সেই রাধা - কৃষ্ণের প্রেমের পরেও লোকের এই ধরণের প্রেম নিয়েই যেনো যত আড়িপাতা, কানাকানি, পরকীয়া নামটাতে আপত্তি থাকলেও আসলে নামকরণের সার্থকতাই আমার মনে হল, পরের সঙ্গে ক্রিয়া, এ ক্রিয়া তো আসছেই কোনো প্রতিক্রিয়ার কারণে। ধরুন যে বয়সে লোকে বুড়িয়ে যায়, ঠিক সে বয়সটাতেই কেউ বুড়োলো না, তার বাচ্চাখেয়াল দিন দিন প্রগাঢ়ভাবে ফিরে এলো তখন সে যদি একটু সেই আগের দিনগুলোর মতো বেঁচে নেয় ক্ষতি কি তাতে? আসলে তার চারপাশটা আদপেই বুড়িয়ে গিয়েছে, একঘেয়ে হয়ে গিয়েছে। সে তিতার রস ভেবে রোজ রোজ সে সব খেয়ে নিয়েও হঠাৎ একদিন সে হয়তো আর পারছেনা। সে সময় হঠাৎ যদি একটা গোটা সন্ধ্যায় তার বৃষ্টিতে ভেজবার সুযোগ হয়, কারো সাথে মাইলখানেক পথ একসাথে চলবার সুযোগ হয় সে কি নেবে না সে সুযোগ। সে যে ভেজেনি কতদিন এভাবে। 

ফেসবুকের খুব সামান্য জাজের পোজের ছবিতে একটা কমেন্টে তার যদি আবার যদি নতুন করে নিজেকে ভালোবাসে চোখে আটকে যায় ক্ষতি কি বলুন? দিল তো বাচ্চা হ্যায় মানেই কাচ্চা। অর্থাৎ কাঁচা কাজ। এখন বিষয় হল এ প্রেমের সমাপন পরিনতি হীন। তাই মন খারাপ, অহেতুক কান্না। কিন্তু আমরা কি কবে কোন কাজ তার ভবিষ্যৎভেবে করেছি বলুন তো? বৈধ একটা বিয়েরও কি সবসময় সুন্দর পরিণতি হয়? তবুও তো তাকে লালন করে চলি আমরা। ভালোবাসার আবার আপন,পর বৈধ - অবৈধ কি? যারে ভালোবাসা যায় সে কি আর পর থাকে? সে যে নিজের এক্কেবারে আপন হয়ে যায়। হয়তো তাকে পাশে নিয়েই চলে একঘেয়ে দিনগুলোর যাপন। তা যে একটা গান আছে না, সে আসবে বলে তাই আমি স্বপ্ন দেখে যাই। জরুরী আসলে ঐ স্বপ্ন দেখা। যেটা দেখতে গিয়ে কেউ একজন খুব করে জীবনের একটা ক্ষুদ্র সময় খুব করে বেঁচে নিল, ভালোবাসার এই যে অমোঘ চাহিদা তার মনে ধরে নিতে হবে তার মানে যোগান কম। তা যদি একজন মানুষের হাত ধরে মেটে তাতে ক্ষতি কি? কেন সমাজের নিন্দে মন্দ? কেন হাজারো তীর, বেঁকা প্রশ্ন। কে ঠকায় কাকে? যে বছর বছর ঠকে এসেছে সে ঠকাবে কাকে? তবে হ্যাঁ সমস্যাটা অন্য জায়গায়। এই যে পরকীয়া তা কি ভালোবাসা, মন, স্বপ্নের রঙিন পাখনা? নাকি সবটুকুই ঐ চাহিদা মেটা অবধি? তারপরেই কি শেষ সব ? এই যে দুজনের ভালোলাগায় বেশ কিছু সুন্দর মুহূর্ত তৈরি হল, তা কি কেবল চাহিদাটুকু মিটলেই শেষ? আর তার কোনো অণুরনন নেই? আমি বলি আছে। 

সত্যিকারের পরকীয়ায় আছে। সত্যিকারের পরকীয়া একে অপরকে সমৃদ্ধ করে। পাশে থাকে। একঘেয়ে জীবনটাকে প্রতি পদক্ষেপে সুন্দর করে। আসলে এই যে আমাদের একা হয়ে স্বার্থপরের মতো খুব নিজের চাহিদাটুকু নিয়ে ভেবে যাওয়া এ আসলে অনেককিছুর কমতি। সেই যে পাড়া কালচার, পাশের বাড়ির কাকিমা, জেঠিমার, বারান্দার গল্প, এ বাড়ির ছাদ থেকে ও বাড়ির ছাদ সবটা হারিয়ে গিয়েই কেমন যেন বেখাপ্পা হয়ে গেলো দুনিয়াটা। সবাই আমরা কেমন খাপছাড়া হয়ে আবদ্ধ হয়ে পড়লাম স্বল্প সময়ের ভালোলাগায়, ভেতরে ভেতরে কেমন যেন আমরা সবাই একা। কথা নেই, কেবল কথার ক্ষোভ আমাদের। যে সব ভুলে তোমার শ্রোতা হবে সব ভুলে মন যেন তারই। সকলের এই প্রচণ্ড ব্যস্ততার জীবনে কেমন যেন মাকড়সার মতো জাল বুনে ফেলল এই পরকীয়া। শরীর আর মনের একটা গোপন খেলায় মেতে গেল সবটুকু, তবে মুশকিল বাঁধালো ইমোশন। সে যদি মনের গোপন চোরাকুঠুরীতে বাসা বেঁধে ফেলে তখন কিন্তু এক ফোঁটাও ভালো থাকতে দেবে না এই পরকীয়া। যোগান তখন এক্সপেক্টেশন এর ঘেরাটোপে কম মনে হতে থাকবে। সুস্থ সম্পর্কে আসবে অসুস্থতা। বিনোদনের পাল্লা কমতে থাকবে। তবু পরকীয়া বেঁচে থাক কারণ এ ক্রিয়া ফৌজদারি অপরাধ নয়। মনেরও তো মন আছে কাজেই সে যদি ছুটে যায় তো থাকনা। ভালোবাসতে আর অপবিত্রতার জায়গা কোথায় সে আলোতেই আসুক বা গোপনে  অন্ধকোণে। একই সময়ে দুজন মানুষকে ভালোবাসা যায় না ঠিকই তবে একজনের সাথে দায়বদ্ধতা আর কর্তব্য জড়িয়ে অপরজনকে নিয়ে স্বপ্নে ভাসা যায়। আর স্বপ্নে ভাসবার অধিকার প্রতিটি মানুষের আছে যাতে নেই কোনো অন্যায় বা পাপ।

(Disclaimer: Author's opinion)

Xpressions 2026: A Look at the Media Fest by ASCO-Kol

Report

Rai Saha

BAJMC Sem 2

Poster of the event

Event List of XPRESSIONS 2026

The corridors of Amity School of Communication witnessed an outburst of creativity, culture, communication and youthful spirit as the institution raised its curtains for the very first edition of its annual media fest, Xpressions 2026, held on the 14th and 15th of May. Over the span of two vibrant days, the campus transformed into a dynamic hub where students from colleges across the city gathered not only to compete, but to express, perform, create and connect. With more than 700 registrations pouring in, the fest carried an atmosphere where enthusiasm met artistry and ideas found their own stage.

The convenors of the event were Dr. Anisha Ray and Dr. Prashant Pradhan.

The event took a culturally provocative head start with an elegant inaugural ceremony graced by Debashis Sen, former IAS officer and former Chairman of the New Town Kolkata Development Authority, whose insightful words reflected upon the evolving landscape of media and society. The ceremony was also attended by Prof. Dr. Sanku Bose, Professor and senior academician, alongside Akashdeep Muni, Dean of Amity School of Communication. As the ceremonial lamp was illuminated, the stage bloomed into poetry through a graceful Rabindra Nritya performance, adding a touch of Bengal’s timeless cultural essence to the beginning of the fest. It was a moment where tradition met aspiration, and where the light of creativity seemed to pass from one generation to another.

 

      Inaugural Dance            

                                    The Crown Affair: Participants on stage                                         

DJ Session: Students fill the campus Atrium 

Panel Discussion - Stay Tuned

Across both the days, Xpressions 2026 arranged a wide spectrum of competitions and interactive experiences that brought together participants from various colleges under one roof. The air carried competitiveness, excitement and the rush of youthful expression. Cine Lumière celebrated the art of filmmaking with participants submitting thoughtfully crafted short films, while Curtain and Chaos created a dramatic space for performers to showcase their acting skills and stage presence.

The fest also embraced lighter and more interactive segments through events like Turn Coat and Pop Pandemonium, where participants engaged in spontaneous speaking rounds and cinematic guessing games that kept the energy alive throughout the day. Photography enthusiasts found their frame through Shutterstorm, a competition dedicated to visual storytelling and creative perspective. Adding to the spirit of celebration was the Experience Zone, which turned into a crowd favourite with energetic DJ arrangements across both the days alongside the fest’s hydration partner Monster Energy.

The second day unfolded with even greater enthusiasm as students and participants continued to pour into the campus. The registration desks, efficiently managed by the students of the institution, reflected the teamwork and coordination behind the fest’s execution. Events like Reel-a-Race mirrored the language of new age media, allowing participants to communicate stories, perspectives and independent direction through the medium of reels and digital storytelling.

The fest also witnessed intellectually charged discussions through Youth Parliament, where participants engaged in fierce political debates and conversations surrounding social narratives and contemporary issues. On the other hand, Bunk & Banter filled the atmosphere with humour and relatability through stand-up comedy performances that brought waves of laughter across the audience. Creativity and branding merged through Mark My Brand, where participants were provided with instant brand details and challenged to conceptualize logos from scratch before pitching the thought process behind their creations. The glamour and elegance of the fest found its space through Crown Affair, a fashion ramp walk competition that celebrated confidence, individuality and stage charisma.

The closing ceremony, themed around “Unfiltered: Reclaiming Self in the Age of Algorithm and Post-Truth Distortions,” powered by PORIBES Foundation curated by Prof. Moumita De Das brought together several renowned personalities including Dr. Dibyendu Kumar Roy, neurosurgeon and Founder-President of Poribes Foundation; Gargi Guhathakurta, Input Editor at TV9 Bangla; Tahir Abbas, media professional and communication expert; Joydeep Das Gupta, founder and editor of News Sense Media Skills Lab; and Akashdeep Muni, Dean of Amity School of Communication. Through conversations, byte-sized interactions and panel discussions, they spoke about reclaiming individuality in an era dominated by algorithms, networks and post-truth distortions while encouraging students to navigate media with authenticity and responsibility.

The fest finally concluded with a grand award ceremony honouring winners across all competitions held under the roof of Amity School of Communication. As the nominated works premiered on projectors and applause echoed through the auditorium, the celebration wrapped itself in joy, music and one final DJ session. Xpressions 2026 did not simply end as a media fest; it unfolded as a canvas of voices, perspectives and creativity, a beginning that promised an even louder expression in the years to come.

Photography: Brahmanand Samanta

UNFILTERED: Reclaiming Self in the Age of Algorithm and Post-Truth Distortions - A Panel Discussion

A thought-provoking panel discussion 'STAY TUNED'

Report

Sohini Bhattacharyya

BAJMC Sem 2

Event Poster published by AUK

On 15th May 2026, the campus of Amity University Kolkata came alive with enthusiasm, intellect, and vibrant discussions as the department of Journalism and Mass Communication organized a compelling panel discussion, 'STAY TUNED' under the theme, “UNFILTERED: Reclaiming Self in the Age of Algorithm and Post-Truth Distortions.” The session brought together renowned media professionals and aspiring communicators on a common platform to reflect upon the evolving landscape of journalism, media ethics, artificial intelligence, and the responsibility of truth in contemporary society. 

This event was part of ASCO Annual media fest, XPRESSIONS 2026 and was curated by Prof. Moumita De Das, ASCO. The event was powered by PORIBES FOUNDATION.

The discussion was hosted and moderated by Dr. Akash Deep Muni, Dean of Amity School of Communication, alongside distinguished media professionals including Ms. Gargi Guhathakurta, Input Editor of TV9 Bangla,  Mr. Tahir Abbas from Times Network, Mr. Joydeep Das Gupta, Editor of News Sense and Founder of Media Skills Lab and Dr.Dibyendu Kumar Roy, Neurosurgeon and founder president of Poribes Foundation. 

During session, the panelists shared insightful perspectives on the growing concern surrounding misinformation and truth distortion in journalism. When asked about the real meaning of “truth distortions,” Ms. Gargi Guhathakurta strongly remarked that such distortion is “absolutely meaningless.” She emphasized the immense responsibility journalists hold towards their viewers and readers, stressing that the primary duty of media professionals is to deliver authentic and factual news rather than spreading misinformation or fake narratives.

Esteemed panelists

Addressing the role of media festivals in shaping students’ futures, Ms. Guhathakurta highlighted the importance of practical skill development. She stated that aspiring reporters must learn to build strong sources and networks, while students interested in copywriting should focus deeply on language and communication that remains accessible and acceptable to all sections of society.

Speaking on the significance of such events beyond academics, Mr. Joydeep Das Gupta noted that media festivals provide students with valuable opportunities to interact directly with journalists, communicators, and industry experts. According to him, such exposure helps students understand the real workings of the media industry and broadens their professional outlook. He also underlined the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in modern newsrooms and stressed that students must stay updated with technological transformations within journalism. Expressing his appreciation for the initiative, he extended his best wishes to the organizers and described the event as “wonderful.”

When asked about the role of media in women empowerment and social reach, Dr. Dibyendu highlighted how media today penetrates every corner of society, questioning whether there remains anyone untouched by its influence. He pointed out that even in the remotest parts of the country, television and satellite communication continue to shape awareness, opinions, and social consciousness.

Mr. Tahir Abbas also shared an optimistic outlook regarding the future of media for students. He expressed that despite economic instability in various sectors, the media industry continues to expand with the emergence of new channels and platforms, making the future of journalism bright and promising. Reflecting emotionally on the atmosphere of the event, he remarked that the energy on campus reminded him of his own college days from nearly two decades ago.

The panel discussion proved to be enlightening, inspiring students with meaningful guidance, engaging debates, and practical insights into the changing media ecosystem. The event concluded on a celebratory note with an energetic award ceremony filled with smiles, laughter, applause, and excitement, making the media fest a memorable and enriching experience for everyone present.

**কালো আঁচলের অধিকারী**

Part II

Guest Column

নীলাকাশ

Amity University 

Pexels

কায়াধারী সে,

আঁধারে একাকী সে,

পশ্চিমে বিগলিত ভানু সে,

বেনাম দহন জলের ভাগীদারি সে,

পোড়া প্রতিশ্রুতির হাতে আঁকা কাজল সে,

বুকে চাপা অনন্ত চিতা সে,

কালো আঁচলের অধিকারী সে,

নিষিদ্ধ রুদ্ধরাগ সে,

নিভৃতচারিণী সে।

সে কায়াধারী – সে এক নারী।

কালস্রোত তীব্র, জন্ম অচিন।

চতুরঙ্গ জীবনশিলা, রাজা প্রতিশ্রুতি।

কেনি-বন্ধন নয়, জীবন অভিশাপ,

প্রতিশ্রুতির ভালোবাসা নয়, ভালোবাসার প্রতিশ্রুতি পাপ।

সে এক পরী - শুধু নয় নারী।

বিধাতার পরিহাসের শিকার,

ভালোবাসি শব্দে ছিল না আধিকার।

জনম মঞ্জরী, শুধু  ঘ্রাণই ছড়ায়,

হুলের দহন দাগ, শান্ত প্রতিশ্রুতির ছোঁয়ায়,

অবহেলার পদতলে স্বল্প অনুরাগ,

প্রতিশ্রুতি ছিল পোড়া বাসীর ঝরা পরাগ।

সে কায়াধারী - সে পরী- সে এক নারী,

সে ভস্ম শুকের - চিরো অপেক্ষায় শারি।

****

*সাদা-কালো আঁচল*

Part I

Guest Column

নীলাকাশ

Amity University

by Pexels

****

দাঁড়িয়ে চিতাকাঠের পাশে,

সাদা আঁচল উড়ছে।

শিশুর হাত ধরে শক্ত,

প্রতিশ্রুতির চিতা পুড়ছে।

 চৈত্র শেষ সংক্রান্তি আজ,

দিগন্তে কমলা মেঘের সাজ।

চিতার আগুন ক্রমশ তীব্র,

কমলা-লাল ঘনীভূত অন্য মেজাজ।

শেষ কাঠ শেষের আগে - বজ্র,

ধোঁয়া কুণ্ডলী পাকায়,

আকাশী বাতাসে হাত মেলায়,

ভূমি পতনের অপেক্ষায়।

শেষের আগে, কি শুরুর আশঙ্কায়?

বৈশাখের অট্টহাসি, - টান পরে আঁচল।

শিশু বলে 'মা'- 

বাড়ি যাবে না?

ঝড় যে প্রচন্ড!

কে কোথায়? নাই যে কেউ!

নদীর পানি দুরন্ত, উচা - নিচা ঢেউ, 

পাড় ভাঙিল কাল, বায়ু বেসামাল।

ওপারে ছাতিম দোলে,

বাতাসে ছাতিম - পোড়া বাস,

শোনা যায় কান্নার বোল,

একক দাঁড়ায়ে, কায়াধারী, উড়ছে কালো আঁচল।

****

Part II follows 

Book Launch of 'Horror Next Door' by Prasun Roy - An Eve of reminiscing Tagore's Storytelling

Report

Anuradha Halder

BAJMC Sem 2 

The illustrious panel at the book launch

The book- Horrors Next Door

On the eve prior to Rabindra Jayanti, AHAVA Communications and AHAVA Readers' and Writers' Club organised the launch of Horror Next Door (translation of Tagore’s stories) by Prasun Roy on May 8, 2026, at Starmark, South City Mall. The literary evening celebrated the  literary brilliance of Rabindranath Tagore and revisited the timeless charm of Bengali horror storytelling through discussion, memory and translation.

The evening was graced by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, acclaimed National Award-winning filmmaker, who attended as the Chief Guest. The session was anchored by Dr. Julie Mehta, whose engaging moderation thoughtfully connected literature, cinema and cultural memory throughout the discussion. The panel featured Sudeshna Roy, filmmaker and author; Dr. Sanjukta Dasgupta, former Dean of Calcutta University; and Ashoke Viswanathan, National and International Award-winning filmmaker. Brinda Roy, poet and wife of the author, was also present during the event.

The book presents English translations of eight renowned Bengali horror stories by Rabindranath Tagore, including Monihara, Kankal and Khudito Pashan. The discussions focused on the mystery, emotions and storytelling in these stories and how they continue to remain memorable for readers across generations.

The audience along with panellists

The author, Prasun Roy

The panel discussion focused on different aspects of Tagore’s literary legacy, from his Nobel Prize recognition to the continued relevance of his writings even today. The speakers discussed how Tagore’s horror stories presented fear through human emotions, loneliness and psychological depth rather than traditional horror.

A large number of literature lovers, readers and students gathered for the event. The evening turned into a beautiful walkthrough nostalgic stories, old memories and discussions on Bengali literature, storytelling and the importance of preserving Tagore’s stories through translation for newer generations of readers.

Roy, the author remarked that “Rabindranath Thakur is a polymath. He's somebody whom every Bengali of at least my generation look up to as a creator of stories of every sort, whatever the mind can think of.” He further shared that he had grown up reading Tagore’s works, his poems, songs, essays, novels and stories that etched deep in his literary journey till date.

The evening witnessed the presence of many readers, students and literature lovers, creating an atmosphere filled with discussions, nostalgia and admiration for Tagore’s literary genius. The program concluded with the author interacting with the audience and personally signing copies of the book, bringing the memorable literary evening to a warm end.

The Team: Anuradha, Shivarati and Atreyee along the author

P.C: Shivarati Saha

                                                                                                                                                        

                            

 

The Lotus Blooms in Bengal: A Historic Saffron Surge in 2026

Opinion Piece

Aishwarya Siingh

BAJMC Sem 2

The change of guard...outgoing CM Mamata Banerjee PC: Pexels

The political landscape of West Bengal has been irrevocably altered as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clinched a historic victory in the 2026 Assembly Elections, securing a resounding 208 seats and ending the fifteen-year reign of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The campaign was defined by a surge of raw public emotion, encapsulated in the viral anthem "Paltano darkar, Chai BJP sarkar" (A change is needed, hence a BJP government) and the desperate plea of "Banchte chai, BJP tai" (We want to live, hence BJP).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the tone with a symbolic morning boat ride on the Hooghly river, capturing the "soul of Bengal" and declaring that the state now demands progress over stagnation. Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the shift "from fear to trust" as the state recorded an unprecedented 46.5% vote share for the BJP, while the TMC's share plummeted to 38.2%, leaving them with only 79 seats.

The saffron wave swept through the state’s five divisions with mathematical precision. In the Jalpaiguri Division (North Bengal), the BJP’s dominance was absolute, winning 48 out of 54 seats. The Presidency Division, including Kolkata, witnessed the most stunning transformation where the BJP captured 42 of 68 seats—highlighted by the historic defeat of Mamata Banerjee in her own bastion of Bhabanipur. In a repeat of the Nandigram "giant-slayer" act, Suvendu Adhikari wrested the seat from the incumbent CM by a margin of over 15,000 votes. In Medinipur, the Adhikari fortress remained impenetrable with 42 seats, while the Burdwan Division saw 45 seats flip as industrial workers revolted against job scarcity. Even in the Malda Division, a historic stronghold, the BJP made massive inroads with 31 seats. Every party this time took a bite out of the TMC’s traditional voter base; notably, the Left Front and Congress broke their prior droughts to secure 2 seats each, proving that the anti-incumbency sentiment had permeated every corner of the electorate.

The fall of the TMC was precipitated by a "perfect storm" of systemic failures and a breakdown in law and order. Women’s safety emerged as the ultimate deal-breaker, fueled by the Chief Minister’s own controversial remarks questioning why girls need to go out after 7 PM. This, alongside the "Syndicate" culture and "Cut-money" practices, left the public exhausted. The administration was further accused of intentionally blocking central welfare schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM-Kisan. Perhaps most alarming were the direct confrontations with central agencies, such as the CM allegedly barging into an ED raid to seize files, and the shocking incident in Malda where a mob held judicial officers captive—an incident that underscored a total collapse of the rule of law.

Furthermore, the narrative of demographic shift due to illegal immigration from Bangladesh resonated deeply, with residents in border districts blaming the influx for rising crime and disrupted peace in once-tranquil cities.So, Why BJP? Beyond the anger, the BJP offered a concrete vision of "Ashol Poriborton" (Real Change). This victory was the result of years of meticulous groundwork by a core team of strategists. Credit is widely given to Sunil Bansal, the General Secretary whose "Panna Pramukh" model established a standing cadre that finally challenged the TMC's grassroots dominance. Dharmendra Pradhan acted as the chief strategist and troubleshooter, bridging the gap between the central leadership and local units, while Bhupender Yadav is praised for his flawless micro-management of booth-level operations and legal challenges.

Additionally, Biplab Deb played a pivotal role; his deep understanding of Bengali traditions—similar to those in his native Tripura—and his aggressive, high-energy campaigning style significantly influenced and energized the BJP workers on the ground. The victory was further bolstered by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which purged over 9 million "ghost voters." This process, combined with the commendable work of the CRPF, gave voters the confidence to step out without fear of the "Chapamar" (rigged) voting tactics of the past. The election also saw the successful implementation of "Home Voting", where polling officials went to the residences of bedridden and elderly citizens to collect their ballots.

This unprecedented security even prompted a large number of migrants to return from different states across India just to cast their votes. By combining a promise of industrial revival with a restored rule of law, the BJP has not just won an election—it has initiated a new epoch in the history of "Sonar Bangla." All the data, seat divisions, and electoral figures mentioned in this article have been sourced directly from the official website of the Election Commission of India (ECI)

Read more: https://results.eci.gov.in/ResultAcGenMay2026/index.htm

Bengal 2026: BJP From ‘Double Digits’ to ‘200 पार’ !

A Mandate That Redraws the Political Map

        Souvik Mukherjee

MAJMC Sem 4 (2026)

 

(Image generated through A.I.)

 

The results of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections of 2026 are going to be recorded as one of the landmark moments in the state's political history. With the BJP emerging victorious with a massive 206 seats out of the total 294 available in the state assembly, this verdict is not only clear but also transformational. On the other hand, the once dominant Trinamool Congress has been relegated to 81 seats while others continue to lag behind.

However, for a full analysis of the significance of this verdict, it is essential to look back at 2021. This election was characterized by political drama, high-pitched campaign activities, and immense expectations from the BJP. However, despite all of that, the party was limited to a few figures, and although expansionist in nature, could not live up to the hype of "Doso Paar" (200+). Five years down the line, the same slogan is now more than just that. The transition from two-digit representation in 2021 to breaking the 200 seats barrier in 2026 is a lot more than just numbers – it’s a symbol of an enduring and definitive political reorientation. This is an indication of political organization, realignment and, above all, a vote of confidence from the people. This is not just an ordinary transition but a structural one within Bengal’s political psyche. For well over a decade now, Bengal has been associated with a strong sense of regional identity, welfare politics and Mamata Banerjee. However, in 2026, the verdict speaks volumes about a political reorientation that is rooted in both emotion and aspiration.

What stands out prominently is the sheer extent of the triumph of the BJP. The vote reflects the breadth and scope of the victory, encompassing urban constituencies, semi-urban regions, and wide swaths of rural Bengal. Throughout the course of the election, there have been signs from the ground that a trend was developing, reflecting grievances on a local level, issues of governance, and demands for developmental politics. Two distinct themes defined this particular election contest. One was the theme of aspiration, focusing on futuristic expectations of development, job creation, investment, and efficient administration. The other theme was that of fatigue, resulting from prolonged rule, emerging from local issues and problems in governance.

To the BJP, it can be seen as the crowning glory of an incremental strategy of expansion in Bengal. Starting from being on the periphery, to becoming one of the major electoral forces, the process has been accompanied by building up at the grassroots level and storytelling. It seems that the stress on central programs and development strategies have struck the chord of voters.

As for the AITC, it can be seen as a wake-up call for the party. Though the win of 81 seats will keep the party relevant for now, the extent of the defeat suggests that the strong voter base it once enjoyed has become weak. It shows that the voter is no longer moved only by legacy and emotions.

Nevertheless, the importance of such a mandate is as much in the future as in its outcome. This magnitude of a mandate raises expectations. Governance in West Bengal, which is sophisticated, politically savvy, and culturally nuanced, demands efficiency and sensitivity alike. This will determine if this mandate leads to credible politics in the future. This judgment also reverberates far and wide. It signals those political forces at the national level continue to extend their reach even into regional strongholds, thereby changing the landscape of Indian elections. At the same time, it poses the question of whether regional parties can evolve within the new political milieu.

In the final analysis, Bengal 2026 is a story of transformation from expectation to execution, from narrative to numbers, and from “almost there” to “Doso Paar.” The people have spoken with clarity. What remains to be seen is how this historic mandate is carried forward, because in democracy, victory is only the beginning, not the conclusion.

 (Author's personal opinion)