Mamta Didi’s entry in Assam elections, TMC released the first list of 17 candidates, bet on 6 Muslim faces. – ..

News India Live, Digital Desk: After strengthening its roots in West Bengal, now Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accelerated its expansion in the northeastern states. Jumping into the battle of Assam Assembly elections, TMC has released its first list of 17 candidates. This move of Mamata Banerjee has completely heated up the political equations of the state, especially in those areas where the role of minority voters is considered decisive.

‘Khela Hobe’ in the battle of Assam: Mamata’s new strategy

Till now the main contest in Assam politics was seen between BJP and Congress led alliance, but the entry of TMC has tried to make this contest triangular. The party has tried to woo different sections of the society in its first list. Experts believe that on the lines of Bengal, Mamata Banerjee has entered the election field in Assam by making ‘popular schemes’ and ‘model of development’ an issue.

‘Social engineering’ in ticket distribution: 6 Muslim candidates get a chance

The most special thing in this list of TMC is minority representation. The party has given tickets to Muslim candidates on 6 out of 17 seats. Considering the demography of Assam, this is being seen as a big masterstroke. The party is believed to be focusing on areas where the percentage of Muslim population is high and where the Congress or AIUDF has been the traditional vote bank. Mamta Banerjee is now eyeing to make a dent in these votes.

Problems increased for BJP and Congress

With TMC contesting the elections, the possibility of fragmentation of opposition votes in Assam has increased. While on one hand BJP is considering it beneficial for itself, on the other hand it can prove to be a big challenge for Congress. Political analysts say that if TMC is successful in attracting minority and Bengali speaking votes, it will have a direct impact on the results. Mamata Banerjee herself is preparing to make the party feel its strength by holding rallies in Assam.

Reliance on local issues and ‘Mamata brand’

According to party sources, local influence and grassroots hold has been given priority while selecting candidates. TMC will also try to capitalize on sensitive issues like NRC and CAA in Assam. The party believes that the people of Assam are now looking for an alternative and Mamata Banerjee’s leadership can give them that confidence. Some more surprising names may emerge in the next list of candidates in the coming days.