The year 2024 began on a tumultuous note for West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). In January, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team visiting the residence of TMC strongman Shahjahan Sheikh in Sandeshkhali was attacked, drawing national attention. This incident spiraled into widespread protests by local villagers, who accused Shahjahan and his close aides of highhandedness, forced land transfers, and misconduct, particularly towards women. These protests soon became a national issue, leading to interventions by central agencies, the Women’s Commission, and the SC/ST Commission. Under court orders, the case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Despite the uproar, the TMC’s position remained strong in the state. In the April-June Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded Rekha Patra, a local woman from Sandeshkhali who alleged torture by Shahjahan, as their candidate for Basirhat. However, the BJP’s tally in Bengal dropped, while the TMC secured a significant victory, winning 29 seats. Mamata Banerjee’s party retained Basirhat by a margin of over 300,000 votes, with the Chief Minister claiming it as a response to the “vicious campaign” against the TMC.
The post-election period, however, brought new challenges for the party. In August, the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital triggered statewide and national outrage. The incident, which occurred at a government medical college, exposed issues of alleged health syndicates and systemic corruption. The Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance of the case, transferring it to the CBI. Subsequently, Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Hospital, was arrested on corruption charges, along with the Station House Officer (SHO) of Tala Thana, who was implicated in the conspiracy surrounding the murder.
The TMC faced severe criticism as protests erupted across the state, from Cooch Behar to Kakdwip. Medical students at RG Kar Hospital went on a hunger strike, with nationwide support pouring in. The crisis escalated when the hospital building was vandalized on August 14. In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee removed the commissioner of police, held direct discussions with protesting students, and assured them of her commitment to resolving the issues, even offering to resign. Following extensive deliberations, the government met most of the students’ demands, leading to a resolution of the crisis.
Despite these setbacks, the TMC ended the year on a high note, cementing its political dominance in Bengal. However, as 2025 approaches, challenges persist, requiring the party to address urban dissatisfaction and rebuild public trust.
