The tribal-heavy Junglemahal region in West Bengal, encompassing Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur, Purulia, and Bankura districts, is poised for a heated clash between the governing Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the forthcoming state assembly elections.
This area has experienced significant political shifts. Formerly a base for Left parties, it became a center of Maoist unrest before the TMC gained control starting from the 2011 elections.
The BJP later gained ground by addressing local grievances and building support among tribal and marginalized groups. In the 2019 national elections, the BJP dominated, securing five parliamentary seats compared to TMC’s one.
However, the TMC rebounded in the 2021 state polls, capturing 24 of the 40 seats in the region, while the BJP took 16. The BJP performed strongly in Purulia and Bankura but struggled in Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur.
In the 2024 national elections, the TMC strengthened its position, winning four seats against the BJP’s two, and leading in 30 assembly segments versus the BJP’s 10.
For the 2026 elections, issues like the Election Commission’s voter roll revisions have not significantly impacted Junglemahal, with fewer deletions compared to other parts of the state. Most constituencies saw under 5,000 names removed.
During campaigns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted alleged protocol breaches during President Draupadi Murmu’s visit, describing it as disrespectful to tribals. This stemmed from her attendance at a Santal conference in north Bengal on March 7, where she noted the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her team, along with a venue change.
Mamata Banerjee rejected the claims and emphasized her administration’s initiatives for tribal welfare. In regional rallies, she criticized the BJP’s pledge for a Uniform Civil Code, warning it would erode religious freedoms, cultural traditions, and diversity.
Modi, in his speeches in Junglemahal, portrayed the contest as one between progress and favoritism. He accused the TMC of neglecting tribals, seizing their lands, and fostering corruption and stagnation. He also raised concerns about demographic shifts due to infiltration affecting local language and culture.
The Kudmi community, numbering around 50 lakh and classified as Other Backward Classes, influences outcomes in several seats in Purulia, Jhargram, and Bankura. They have protested since 2022 for Scheduled Tribe status and recognition of the Kurmali language in the Constitution’s Eighth Schedule, including blockades.
Tribal groups have resisted these demands, leading to political tensions. In May 2024, Mamata met Kudmi representatives and pledged to address their issues, but protests resumed in September 2025 over unmet promises.
Both parties have nominated Kudmi candidates in key areas. Some protest leaders have joined the BJP, such as Rajesh Mahato contesting from Gopiballavpur in Jhargram and Biswajit Mahato from Joypur in Purulia.
Ajit Mahato stated that Kudmis aim to defeat the TMC in Junglemahal, citing excessive actions by the party, and predicted strong support for the BJP.
The TMC emphasizes its role in stabilizing the area after Maoist violence, highlighting the reduction in extremism following the removal of major insurgent figures.
