Synopsis:
Behala West is back in political focus as speculations grow over actress Srabanti Chatterjee’s potential candidacy for TMC. With Partha Chatterjee out of the picture, Mamata Banerjee may be eyeing a ‘glamour reboot’ in this crucial seat.
Qalam Times News Network Exclusive
Srabanti’s Return Sparks Talk of TMC Candidacy in Behala West
Behala West has suddenly become one of the most watched battlegrounds in Bengal politics. Two years after Partha Chatterjee’s arrest in the infamous recruitment scam, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) appears to be weighing its options for a fresh face—and actress Srabanti Chatterjee is leading the rumor mill.
On Martyrs’ Day, Srabanti was spotted in the front row among Tollywood celebrities on the main TMC stage, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee repeatedly mentioning her by name. That alone was enough to send political tongues wagging: could Mamata be setting the stage to counter the Partha scandal with star power?
The Partha Vacuum: Can Srabanti Fill It?
Here’s the context: Partha Chatterjee, once a five-time MLA from Behala West, was suspended by the party in 2022 after his arrest in a massive job scam. His political career is effectively over. But his fall left behind a high-stakes vacancy in a seat TMC has held for over two decades.
In 2021, Srabanti ran as a BJP candidate against Partha in this very seat—and lost by over
50,000 votes. Following that defeat, she distanced herself from politics entirely. But this week, her presence on the TMC platform has reignited speculation: is Mamata planning to turn the tables by fielding a glamorous, local celebrity as the new face of Behala West?
Srabanti’s Local Connect and TMC’s Internal Buzz
Srabanti isn’t an outsider. She’s a native of Parnasree, which falls under the Behala West Assembly segment. Her parents still live there. According to TMC sources in South Kolkata, local party leaders have quietly started inquiring about her background and voter base in the area—another sign that her name is being seriously considered.
A senior youth leader from the constituency, speaking anonymously, admitted, “In 2021, the party asked us to defeat Srabanti to ensure Partha’s win, and we delivered. If now we’re asked to campaign for her, we’ll do that too.”
Behala West: The Battle for the Ticket is On
Of course, Srabanti’s isn’t the only name in the mix. Since Partha’s fall from grace, several TMC leaders have been eyeing the Behala West ticket. Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor and mayoral board member Baishwanor Chattopadhyay has been actively participating in local programs.
Others in the race include former MP and theatre personality Arpita Ghosh, South 24 Parganas TMC president Shubhashis Chakraborty, and KMC’s current Roads department mayoral councilor Abhijit Mukherjee. Even ex-mayor and former minister Sovan Chatterjee—who once left the party amid controversy—is being mentioned again by a section of the leadership.
From aspiring newcomers to veteran leaders, everyone wants a shot at Behala West.
Why Srabanti May Still Be Mamata’s Best Bet
Despite the internal jostling, many believe Mamata might play her “celebrity card” and put Srabanti in the field—especially if the goal is to win back public sentiment after the damage done by Partha’s arrest.
As one TMC insider put it, “There’s so much infighting over this one seat that if Mamata picks Srabanti, it’ll actually settle the matter. No one will object—and everyone will be forced to rally behind her.”
Whether it’s optics, strategy, or simply political instinct, Behala West is shaping up to be much more than just another bypoll. If Srabanti is indeed chosen, Mamata might not only reclaim the seat but also reframe the narrative.
