Prof. Mahesh Chand Gupta
The results of the West Bengal Assembly elections, which gave a massive majority to the Bharatiya Janata Party, have marked a decisive turning point in the state’s politics. After spending nearly fifteen years under the shadow of fear, insecurity, and political violence, West Bengal now appears to be entering a new phase of hope and trust. This mandate is not merely about a change of government; it reflects the people’s clear anger against the political culture of the Trinamool Congress, which, according to many, pushed the state away from the mainstream of development.
An important question arises here: Did Bengal suddenly reach this condition? The answer lies in understanding that the state’s decline did not happen overnight. Bengal was once considered the pioneer of India’s cultural, intellectual, and industrial progress. It was the land of great personalities such as Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, and Aurobindo Ghosh, and was often regarded as the soul of India. However, post-independence politics gradually weakened this glorious legacy.
During the Congress era, the administrative system slowly began to weaken. Later, when Left governments came to power, they promoted an economic mindset in the name of workers’ welfare that made industrial and technological growth appear suspicious. Their opposition to the computer revolution became one of the strongest examples of this approach. At a time when the world was moving ahead by embracing technology, Bengal kept moving backward. As a result, industrial confidence weakened and investments slowly began shifting out of the state.
This trend became even more evident when Ratan Tata came to Singur with the ambitious Nano car project. It was a historic opportunity for Bengal that could have re-established the state on India’s industrial map. However, political opposition, protests, and an atmosphere of confusion forced the project to move elsewhere. This was not merely the destruction of a major industrial initiative; it also damaged Bengal’s credibility and sent a message to investors across the country and abroad that the state lacked stability and trustworthiness. When the Trinamool Congress came to power under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, people hoped the state would finally return to the path of development. But the situation, critics argue, did not improve. Instead, allegations of “cut money,” syndicate culture, and appeasement politics worsened matters further. Administrative systems weakened and law and order deteriorated. Naturally, this had a direct impact on the economy. Industries continued to leave the state, investments declined, and employment opportunities shrank. The Marwari business community, which had played a crucial role in Bengal’s economic structure for generations, also gradually began moving out of the state. Delhi and Haryana became preferred destinations for many of them. This reflected the growing perception that Bengal’s business environment was no longer dependable. Today, industrial growth in Bengal is said to have fallen below three percent, whereas it once touched sixteen to seventeen percent. Major industrial houses such as the Tata and Birla groups had once expanded across India from Bengal, but over time, they too shifted elsewhere. The common citizen, meanwhile, continues to struggle under economic pressure. Farmers and laborers in rural areas face severe hardships, while the lack of jobs has forced many young people to migrate to other states in search of opportunities. For a state that once provided industrial direction to the nation, this situation is deeply concerning. Law and order has also remained a major issue during the Mamata Banerjee government. Concerns regarding women’s safety repeatedly surfaced. Critics argue that despite having a woman chief minister, incidents involving crimes against women raised serious questions about the government’s priorities. When a large section of society feels unsafe, no development plan can truly succeed on the ground. In this context, a statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the election campaign becomes relevant. Modi said that the current condition of West Bengal was a matter of concern. According to him, the migration of youth due to unemployment and the fear surrounding women’s safety were both alarming signs for the state. His words reflected the pain of seeing a region that once led India’s industrial development reach such a condition. This electoral mandate could prove to be a defining moment for West Bengal, giving the state an opportunity to reclaim its lost glory. However, the BJP will now have to fulfill its promises and demonstrate that the change is not limited to slogans alone but can be translated into reality.
The journey “from fear to trust” is expected to begin with the swearing-in of the new government on May 9. Its success will depend on the government’s political will, clear policies, and transparent administration. The BJP has inherited a state where administrative structures are considered weak and economic activities have slowed significantly. Therefore, the party will not only need to repair the damaged system through consistent efforts but also deliver on the promises made to the people. Although the strong mandate symbolizes a fresh beginning, it also brings enormous responsibility. Restoring public trust will perhaps be the biggest challenge before the new government. For years, people in the state have struggled with unemployment, weak law and order, economic stagnation, and migration. Solving these problems will not be easy. At the same time, the government will need to create a clear and sustainable path of development so that Bengal can once again move confidently toward progress.
After the election results, Narendra Modi described the BJP’s victory as the beginning of a new era and declared that Bengal’s “bright future” had begun. But this vision will require strong policies and effective implementation, not just political declarations. People naturally expect the new government to ensure equal opportunities for all sections of society. Reviving industries, attracting investment, and creating employment opportunities are likely to remain among its top priorities. In particular, stopping the migration of youth and ensuring a safer environment for women will require immediate and meaningful action. This historic mandate is being seen as a “new dawn” for the BJP, but the significance of this moment goes beyond politics alone. For the people of West Bengal, it represents the possibility of a fresh beginning — one filled with hope, expectations, and aspirations for a better future. The real question now is whether the new government will truly be able to live up to those hopes and expectations.
The author is a renowned educationist, thinker, and speaker. He was a professor at Delhi University for 44 years.
