West Bengal’s political battlefield is heating up again, and this time all eyes are on Bhabanipur. The BJP’s announcement of Suvendu Adhikari as its candidate from this high-profile Kolkata seat has triggered an immediate wave of reactions – and one of the sharpest has come from a fresh face in the Trinamool Congress camp: Pratikur Rahaman.
Rahaman, who only recently crossed over from the Left to join the TMC, has wasted no time in setting the tone. With a pointed social media post that read, “Jotoi koro setting, hobe na load shedding” (roughly, “No matter how much you fix the setting, there won’t be any load shedding”), he has revived a controversial and emotionally charged memory for Bengal’s voters.
Nandigram 2021: A Scar That Hasn’t Faded
To understand the undertone of Rahaman’s comment, one has to go back to 2 May 2021 – a date that remains etched in Bengal’s political memory.
That day, the entire state was glued to the Nandigram counting. It wasn’t just another seat – it was a prestige battle. On one side stood Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the other, her former aide-turned-rival Suvendu Adhikari. Early trends showed Mamata leading, and the TMC camp began to breathe easy.
Then came the twist.
A sudden power cut – “load shedding” – during a crucial phase of counting changed the picture. By the time the situation stabilised, Nandigram’s verdict had turned in Suvendu Adhikari’s favour. The TMC immediately alleged foul play and manipulation, and the issue snowballed into a full-blown political and legal controversy that ultimately reached the courts.
For many in the ruling party and its supporters, Nandigram was not just a defeat – it was a wound, a symbol of what they still see as a tainted result.
From Nandigram to Bhabanipur: A Possible Repeat Face-Off
Fast forward to the 2026 Assembly elections. Once again, the script seems to be setting up for a direct clash between Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari – this time in Bhabanipur, Mamata’s traditional stronghold and a seat often described as her political fortress.
While the Trinamool Congress is yet to officially release its candidate list, there is intense speculation that Mamata will contest from Bhabanipur as usual. The BJP, meanwhile, has moved first, declaring Suvendu as its nominee from the same constituency.
The symbolism is obvious:
- From Nandigram to Bhabanipur – the BJP is clearly trying to project Suvendu as the one leader who has previously defeated Mamata and can challenge her again on her home turf.
- For the TMC, Bhabanipur is not just another seat. It is a test of strength, prestige, and the party’s ability to counter the BJP’s narrative of 2021.
Pratikur Rahaman Enters the Frame
Into this charged atmosphere steps Pratikur Rahaman – a former Left leader who has chosen the Trinamool camp ahead of this crucial election. His post may look like a simple rhyme, but in Bengal’s political language, it carries layered meaning.
By saying, “No matter how much you do the setting, there will be no load shedding,” Rahaman is
- Calling out the alleged “Nandigram model” of 2021, suggesting that any attempt to influence the process in 2026 will not succeed this time.
- Assuring TMC supporters that Bhabanipur will not see a repeat of the shock and controversy of Nandigram.
- Positioning himself as a vocal, aggressive new face in the ruling party, unafraid to take direct shots at a heavyweight like Suvendu.
His remark also reflects a key plank of the TMC’s campaign line: that the electoral system must remain transparent, and that what happened in Nandigram should serve as a warning, not a template.
Why Bhabanipur Matters So Much
Bhabanipur has long been synonymous with Mamata Banerjee’s political identity. From massive padyatras to intimate corner meetings, this constituency has repeatedly seen high-voltage campaigns whenever Mamata has contested from here.
The BJP’s decision to field Suvendu from Bhabanipur sends several signals:
- A Direct Challenge – It is a clear message that the party wants a high-stakes contest, not a symbolic one.
- National Attention – A Mamata vs Suvendu rematch will automatically attract national media, helping the BJP keep Bengal in the spotlight.
- Psychological Battle – If the BJP can make the contest close – or even pull off an upset – it would be a massive morale booster for the party’s organisation in the state.
For the TMC, losing Bhabanipur is simply not an option. That’s why even a seemingly casual one-liner from a new entrant like Rahaman has been widely noticed – it hints at how aggressively the ruling party is likely to defend the seat.
The Shadow of 2021 Over 2026
Even though years have passed since the Nandigram result, it continues to cast a long shadow over Bengal politics. Court cases, debates over EVMs and counting procedures, and the dramatic swings on that counting day have all added to its mystique.
By bringing back the imagery of “load shedding”, Rahaman is doing more than just mocking his opponent. He is:
- Reminding voters of a moment many in the TMC camp still see as an injustice.
- Framing Suvendu’s candidacy in Bhabanipur as a continuation of that same story – implying that the BJP might try similar tactics again.
- Trying to energise TMC’s base by suggesting that this time, they are alert, organised, and ready to prevent a repeat.
Looking Ahead: A Contest to Watch
As of now, the Trinamool Congress is yet to officially declare its candidates, and more political twists are almost guaranteed in the weeks to come. But a few things are already clear:
- Bhabanipur will be one of the most-watched constituencies in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
- The likely face-off between Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari will be framed as Round Two after Nandigram.
- Leaders like Pratikur Rahaman represent a newer, more aggressive layer in the TMC’s communication strategy – one that uses sharp memory triggers, humor, and taunts to shape public perception.
Whether Rahaman’s line turns into a larger campaign slogan or remains a single viral jibe, it has done its job: it has reminded Bengal of Nandigram, questioned Suvendu’s moral ground, and set the tone for an intensely fought battle in Bhabanipur.
One thing is certain: in 2026, the lights may flicker in the political arena, but as far as Pratikur Rahaman and the TMC are concerned, there will be no load shedding when it comes to the fight.
