**Is Mamata Banerjee Shaken? Her Recent Statement on Kolkata’s Flooding Suggests So**
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently made a telling statement while inaugurating a Durga Puja celebration: “If I can come back again, I will show what I can do.” Notice her use of the word “If” — not “When.” This subtle choice hints at an underlying uncertainty over the Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for March-April next year.
The incessant rains have turned Kolkata into a floating city, with tragic consequences — nine people reportedly died due to electrocution. What stood out amid this crisis was Mamata’s decision to criticise the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), parties that have little to do with the city’s civic management.
### Accountability and Governance: Who’s to Blame?
Mamata Banerjee has been in power since 2011, and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is also under the control of her party. Her close aide, Firhad Hakim, has served as Kolkata mayor since 2018 and concurrently holds the cabinet portfolio for urban development, municipal affairs, and housing.
With the CPM out of power for nearly 15 years, and the BJP still distant from forming a government in the state, the responsibility for the crumbling infrastructure and inadequate civic amenities lies squarely with the state government and the civic administration under TMC.
This raises pivotal questions: Why shift blame onto parties that have no control over the city’s affairs? More crucially, why has Mamata been unable to implement effective plans for Kolkata’s infrastructure despite her long tenure?
### Pattern of Deflection
There appears to be a pattern in Mamata’s responses during crises. During natural calamities like cyclones that devastate coastal areas, she is quick to blame the central government for alleged delays or deficiencies in fund releases. But what remains unanswered is how she has utilized the funds that were indeed released to her government and whether she has established a resilient system to face such emergencies.
Cyclones and heavy rains do not arrive unannounced. Has Mamata Banerjee’s administration built adequate preparedness and disaster management mechanisms? Even her staunch supporters might hesitate to award her the “perfect 10” she seems to aspire to.
Her government’s responses often feel reactive rather than proactive, exposing a glaring lack of preparedness.
### Ambitions Beyond the State
A critical aspect undermining Mamata’s governance could be her overriding political ambition. She has long harbored the dream of becoming India’s Prime Minister and keeps a watchful eye on the central stage in New Delhi. However, her appeal beyond West Bengal remains limited, and she has struggled to position herself as a credible national alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Her frequent shifts in political stance make it hard to discern whether she truly aligns with the Opposition bloc or not. This Delhi-focused ambition seemingly results in a neglect of the state she is meant to lead with full dedication.
For comparison, Narendra Modi’s rise as Prime Minister in 2014 was built on his tangible achievements as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. Despite serving as West Bengal’s Chief Minister for a longer period than Modi governed Gujarat, Mamata cannot claim similar national resonance.
### Insecurity and Internal Challenges
Mamata’s apparent lackluster performance might also stem from political insecurity. A significant portion of her time and energy is reportedly spent stifling opposition — both from outside parties and within her own ranks. She remains vigilant about the BJP’s growth, as well as any potential revival of the Left Front and Congress in the state.
To maintain control, the Trinamool Congress has, at times, been accused of resorting to violence and even political murders to silence rival party cadres and workers.
Moreover, several of Mamata’s close associates have faced corruption allegations. Scandals such as the infamous Saradha financial scam and the teachers’ recruitment scam have tarnished the party’s image repeatedly.
### Frugality vs. Political Sustainability
Although Mamata Banerjee is known for her simple lifestyle — preferring inexpensive saris and hawai chappals — frugality alone cannot sustain a political party in today’s complex landscape. With West Bengal’s industrial base shrinking, political funding has become increasingly difficult to secure.
Allegedly, involvement in scams has served as a convenient means to keep the party’s finances afloat.
### Vote-Bank Politics and Demographic Shifts
Vote-bank politics remains the easiest route to power in many parts of India, and Mamata’s government faces accusations of encouraging illegal immigration from Bangladesh to bolster specific voter segments.
Over the past 15 years, the Muslim electorate has grown significantly in several West Bengal constituencies, particularly those bordering Bangladesh. The Muslim population now exceeds 25% in the state, compared to the national average of 14%. Exact numbers are uncertain due to the absence of a census since 2011.
In many constituencies, Muslim voters constitute 60% or more of the electorate, which naturally makes Mamata focus on maintaining popularity within this community. Critics often charge her with indulging in appeasement politics.
This political calculus may explain the lack of strict action against Firhad Hakim, who bears direct responsibility as minister and mayor for Kolkata’s recent flooding crisis.
### Deflection vs. Reality
Mamata Banerjee appears to have mastered the art of deflection — blaming others for failures clearly linked to her administration. Despite this, her supporters continue to rally behind her street-fighter image and her reputed ability to bounce back from setbacks.
However, the ground reality in West Bengal is shifting.
– The urban middle class, once a silent supporter, is growing increasingly vocal about deteriorating civic conditions.
– The youth, disappointed by the lack of opportunities, are looking elsewhere.
– The rural voter base, which was traditionally her stronghold, is no longer a guaranteed vote bank.
### Looking Ahead: The 2026 State Elections
As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approach, all eyes will be on the state’s voters and the future of the Trinamool Congress. Mamata Banerjee’s choice of words — “If I can come back to power…” — is a clear signal that she herself harbors doubts over securing a fourth consecutive term.
Her political journey remains one of resilience, ambition, and controversy. Whether she can overcome these mounting challenges or whether Kolkata’s flooding and the ensuing political storm signal a downturn for her leadership, only time will tell.
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*Ajay Jha is a senior journalist, author, and political commentator.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/mamatas-moment-of-doubt-signals-a-shifting-tide-in-bengal