What’s the big poll issue in West Bengal? Communalism, corruption or unemployment

Our election caravan has reached West Bengal, where the Sandeshkali row is raising the political temperature, and the BJP and Mamta Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress are set to lock horns in a fierce battle.       

Newslaundry spoke to people in the capital city’s Maidan area, a popular spot for morning walkers, about elections and the poll planks. Many of them complained about corruption and a lack of jobs under the Mamata Banerjee government. For many, migration for employment seemed to be an election issue. A local said he feels he has self-sabotaged by “educating his children”, as they had to move to a different city for employment. 

At the same time, most of them distanced themselves from the communal narratives of the BJP, as reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent rally speeches. A local resident emphasised that in a secular nation, there is no need to differentiate between Hindus and Muslims.

What are the people’s main questions for the state and central governments?

Watch.