Bengal Politics: West Bengal has been ruled by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for over a decade. Since 2011, TMC has maintained a dominant position in the state’s political landscape, with Mamta Banerjee as the party’s face. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as the main opposition, has consistently criticized her governance. Recently, a new debate has emerged regarding the changing demographics in Bengal.
Are Muslims Becoming the majority in Several Districts?
Senior journalist Rajiv Ranjan shared an analysis based on his observations of the state. According to him, the Muslim population in West Bengal is increasing rapidly, and several districts that were previously Muslim-minority areas are now becoming Muslim-majority. Initially, districts like Murshidabad, Malda, and North Dinajpur had Muslim majorities, but Ranjan claims that more districts are likely to join this list.
He also notes that in public spaces of Kolkata, the number of Muslims appears to be visibly higher. These observations have sparked a heated debate in Bengal politics, drawing attention from the media and political leaders alike.
BJP Raises Concerns on Changing Demography
The BJP has openly criticized the TMC for what it calls unchecked demographic changes under Mamta Banerjee’s rule. According to the party, several districts have become Muslim-majority during TMC’s tenure. Historical data show that in 1951, Bengal had about 78.45% Hindus and 19.85% Muslims.
By 2025, it is claimed that the Muslim population will have risen to approximately 33%, while the Hindu population has declined to around 65%. BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya and Sukanta Majumdar, have widely shared these findings and urged a closer examination of the population changes, questioning the TMC’s approach to governance and demographic management.
Political Implications
The debate over changing demographics has intensified political rivalry in Bengal. While TMC continues to highlight its achievements in governance and development, the BJP is focusing on population changes as a critical issue.
This narrative has become a key talking point in the state, with both parties using it to shape their political strategies. The coming months are likely to see further debates and discussions on how these demographic changes may influence Bengal’s political future.
