WHAT has added a whole new dimension to the electoral situation in Bengal is the presence of vibrant young Left candidates in a number of constituencies. The presence of this young brigade in the electoral struggle is very significant to defeat the politics of hatred and strengthen the struggle for establishing a policy-based alternative. Among the young contenders, two former student leaders and one current student leader have caught the attention of all.

ELECTIONS to the Lok Sabha and the Andhra Pradesh Assembly were held on May 13, in the fourth phase. A record-breaking voter turnout of 81.86 per cent was recorded, with polling continuing until 2:00 am on May 14 at some locations. This surpassed the 2019 election turnout of 79.84 per cent. The chief electoral officer stated that this was the highest percentage of votes cast in any state during this election. Voters travelled from distant places to their native areas and voted enthusiastically. People flocked to the polling stations from 6:00 am on the election day in many places.

THE third phase of polling in Bengal, which took place on May 7, involved a total of four seats –  Jangipur, Murshidabad, Malda North and Malda South. According to unrevised estimates, out of the two Lok Sabha constituencies of Malda and Murshidabad, the Murshidabad Lok Sabha constituency received the highest voter turnout – 76.49 per cent. Another Lok Sabha constituency in this district, Jangipur, polled 72.13 per cent. 73.30 per cent voted in Malda North and 73.68 per cent in Malda South.

THREE of the five rounds of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra will be completed by the time this report is published. Overall, it is clear that so far it is advantage Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA-INDIA), so far as Maharashtra is concerned. The three major constituents of the MVA are the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray group), the Congress, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar group). The smaller constituents of the MVA include Left and secular parties. Massive rallies of the MVA are being held across the state in all the 48 Lok Sabha constituencies.

MAYBE many people thought that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bengal would also be in the familiar pattern. A mock war between PM Modi and chief minister Mamata will go on with both sides resorting to extremely hostile snides. Even if central forces are deployed by the Election Commission to ensure fairness at the booth level, the local areas will be dominated by Trinamool-backed miscreants.Recent happenings have highlighted the corruption and misgovernance that is rampant in the state.