Hooghly, 22 March (H.S.): The Champdani Assembly constituency in Hooghly district is witnessing a poll battle that goes beyond political rivalry, with pressing civic issues emerging as key factors in shaping voter sentiment. Filth in the DVC canal, rising mosquito menace, crumbling infrastructure and unemployment have become major concerns for residents.

The DVC canal, which passes through the area, has remained in a neglected state for a long time. Accumulated garbage and stagnant water have turned it into a serious public health hazard. According to Champdani Municipality chairman Suresh Mishra, the lack of regular cleaning has led to a sharp rise in mosquito breeding, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue and malaria every year. The situation worsens further in areas along the canal after the monsoon.

The growing mosquito menace has become a major concern for locals. While the municipality claims to carry out fogging and cleaning drives, residents allege that such measures are inadequate in several wards. Many say stepping out in the evening has become difficult, and the pressure on healthcare services has increased.

Infrastructure deficiencies have also added to public discontent. Several roads are in poor condition, drains are not cleaned regularly and the drainage system remains weak. Waterlogging during the rainy season is a common problem, disrupting daily life.

Unemployment has emerged as another key issue. Many small and medium industries in and around Champdani have either shut down or weakened over time, reducing job opportunities for local youth and leading to migration.

The constituency’s demographic composition also plays a crucial role in the electoral dynamics. Champdani has around 2.5 lakh voters, with minorities accounting for nearly 35 per cent. A mixed voter base comprising Hindi-speaking, Bengali and migrant populations makes the contest more complex.

In this backdrop, the contest among Trinamool Congress candidate Arindam Guin, BJP’s Dilip Singh and CPI(M)’s Chandranath Banerjee has become keenly watched. The Congress, however, is yet to announce its candidate, creating uncertainty among its support base.

In terms of background, Arindam Guin is a graduate and is considered to have a strong organisational grip at the grassroots level. Dilip Singh, a Class 10 pass, faces challenges such as the “outsider candidate” tag and factionalism within the BJP. Chandranath Banerjee, a lawyer by profession, is known for raising labour issues, though the weakened organisational base of the CPI(M) remains a hurdle.

Past election data reflects the changing political trends in the constituency. In 2011, when the Congress and Trinamool Congress were in alliance, the Trinamool secured around 57 per cent votes, while the CPI(M) got about 35 per cent and the BJP around 5 per cent.

In 2016, under the Left-Congress alliance, the Congress secured around 44 per cent votes, while the Trinamool Congress got about 40 per cent and the BJP around 13 per cent.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress improved its vote share to around 50 per cent, while the BJP rose sharply to about 35 per cent. The Congress vote share declined to around 11 per cent. The impact of the Left-Congress alliance was visible in both the 2016 and 2021 elections.

Political observers believe internal factionalism could pose a challenge for the BJP this time, while the Trinamool Congress is relying on its strong organisational network to retain its edge. For the CPI(M), the election presents an opportunity to regain lost ground.

Overall, the Champdani contest is not just about political equations but also about how effectively parties address local issues such as the DVC canal pollution, mosquito menace, poor infrastructure, drainage and unemployment. The outcome will depend on how voters weigh these concerns while casting their ballots.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey