Competitive Communalism An Analysis of Recent Political Scenario of West Bengal (2011-2025)

Communalism can be understood as a specific ideology. One outcome of this ideology is the occurrence of communal riots. Communalism posits that individuals belonging to a particular religion share common secular interests, including social, political, and economic aspects. However, it is often described negatively. Recently, various communal incidents have challenged the concept of nationalism in India from a narrower viewpoint, highlighting the growing communal identity that stands in opposition to secularism, particularly in West Bengal. The rise of Hindu nationalism and the emphasis on Hindu festivals foster a more communal atmosphere in West Bengal. Both the ruling party and the opposition in West Bengal strive to align themselves closely with the Hindu majority. On the other hand, the Trinamool Congress is very much concerned about the 30% Muslim voters. Meanwhile, BJP leaders are attempting to create a divide between Hindu and Muslim voters by promoting Hindutva. This study aims to examine the current communal rivalry fueled by the two major political parties. This study also compares the era of the Left government and the present Trinamool Congress Government.