Kolkata, May 5: The results for the Tollygunge assembly seat in West Bengal have revealed a significant upset. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has claimed victory in this high-profile constituency, long dominated by the Trinamool Congress (TMC). BJP candidate Papiya Adhikari defeated TMC heavyweight and former minister Arup Biswas by over 6,000 votes.
With these results, this crucial seat in South Kolkata has once again become the center of political discussions. Since 2001, Tollygunge has been a stronghold for the TMC, with Biswas representing the seat since 2006 and maintaining a consistent winning margin in every election. However, this time, the electoral dynamics shifted, allowing the BJP to deliver a significant blow to the TMC.
The political history of Tollygunge is marked by fluctuations. In its early decades, leftist parties dominated, winning eight times in this constituency.
Known as “Mini-Mumbai,” Tollygunge is not just an assembly constituency but also the heart of Bengal’s film industry. Located in the South 24 Parganas district, it is part of the Jadavpur parliamentary constituency and covers nine wards of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
The electoral trends in Tollygunge are also evident in the Lok Sabha elections. While leftist parties led in 2009, the TMC has maintained a steady advantage since 2014. The BJP has gradually positioned itself as a major contender, a trend that was also visible in the 2021 assembly elections.
Demographically, this seat represents a prosperous urban area. According to 2024 data, there are approximately 263,000 voters, with Scheduled Caste voters making up around 10-12 percent. The area is entirely urban, with no rural voters. However, a decline in voter turnout in recent years indicates urban apathy.
Tollygunge’s identity is closely tied to its cultural and cinematic heritage. It is the hub of Tollywood, featuring major film studios like Indrapuri and Technician Studios. Additionally, landmarks such as the Uttam Kumar Metro Station, Tollygunge Club, and the historic golf course define the area. In terms of infrastructure, Tollygunge is a vital hub, well-connected by metro, trams, and railways to other parts of Kolkata. It is also conveniently linked by road to Lake Gardens, Behala, Jadavpur, and surrounding areas.
Leave a Comment