KOLKATA: In an interview with The Sunday Guardian, former Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress candidate from Berhampore Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, spoke on a range of issues and asserted that the time is ripe for the Congress to regain its lost ground, as people in West Bengal who were once influenced by divisive politics are now beginning to see through it.
Q. How are you reconnecting with the voters in your constituency, after your long run on the national politics?
A. I am a local and have been involved in politics here for decades, so connecting with people comes naturally to me. Over the years, I have built strong roots in the community and understand their concerns and aspirations well. For me, politics has always been about staying connected with the grassroots, not just elections. My long experience and continuous engagement with people have made it easy for me to communicate with them and maintain that connection.
Q. What are the key major issues that have been neglected in Berhampore constituency that needs to be given a special attention for you, sir?
A. I believe that Berhampore and not just Berhampore, but the entire Murshidabad district has increasingly become a hub for migrant labourers. The district comprises 22 Assembly segments and has a population of over 86 lakh. Yet, despite decades of assurances and repeated promises from those in power, the region has largely been neglected. In my view, there has been a glaring absence of industrial development, along with inadequate educational institutions and poor healthcare infrastructure. Employment opportunities are severely limited, forcing many people to migrate in search of work. Because of these persistent shortcomings, Murshidabad has long been identified as a backward district. Its inclusion under the Centre’s Aspirational Districts Programme only reinforces this reality, highlighting how the district continues to lag behind national standards across key development indicators.
Q. What in your view are the biggest failure of the current state government under Mamata Banerjee?
A. The biggest failure of Mamata Banerjee’s tenure is that West Bengal has lost much of its earlier economic strength, with a visible flight of talent and capital. Many industries have shut down or moved out, and there has been little meaningful industrial growth, forcing people to migrate for work. I also feel law and order has worsened, and corruption in recruitment has deprived many deserving candidates of jobs. Weak healthcare infrastructure pushes patients to seek treatment outside the state. Overall, due to limited opportunities, especially for educated youth, Bengal is witnessing a steady outflow of both people and investment.
Q. How do you see the women Safety in Bengal, which is ruled by a Woman CM?
A. The situation is absolutely unsafe not just for women, but for people in general. In my view, there have been serious incidents where women have faced heinous crimes, even in places like hospitals, which should be safe spaces. Yet, I feel that the actual culprits are often not properly apprehended or brought to justice. I also believe that the police, instead of acting independently, are working in close alignment with the ruling dispensation, which leads to people being misled and deprived of justice. In my opinion, there is a tendency to dilute the seriousness of crimes, especially when they could affect the image of those in power, and this has further eroded public trust in the system.
Q. As a former Congress state president how do you assess the party current standing in west Bengal ahead of the polls?
A. So, the Congress Party has long been a victim of a pincer attack driven by the communal politics of both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Trinamool Congress. In my view, both these parties often rely on communal polarisation to maximise electoral gains, and in that process, Congress becomes the first casualty. Ideologically, I firmly believe that Congress represents liberal and secular values, something that people across the country recognise. I feel that the time is now right for us to reclaim our lost ground, as many people in West Bengal who may have earlier been influenced by divisive politics are beginning to see through it. I believe that only Congress can help restore the true spirit, cultural ethos, and inclusive legacy of Bengal, which has historically stood apart from caste-based and communal politics. That is why I see this as the right moment, and we are working hard to rebuild our support and re-establish our position in the state.
