It seems that for all the prevailing cynicism regarding the tsunami of corruption and mismanagement in governance, voters en masse have not wholly abandoned their faith in political parties yet --- at the national, regional or the 'start-up' levels. The large measure of popular support these parties have won in recent elections at various levels indicates this very strongly.

The recent visit to the national capital of TMC leader Mamata Banerjee naturally fuelled speculation as to whether the nebulous proposal of regional parties cobbling together a stable central Government would be taken a step forward towards fructification. TMC leaders would certainly have liked to see more progress through informal yet productive talks with other like-minded parties on the topic.

As of now, the response for the TMC, is neither positive, nor negative. While senior leaders from the BJP, and the Jagan Reddy faction in Andhra Pradesh were in touch with the TMC, the SP, JD(U), BSP or the Congress showed no special interest in cosying up to it. The visceral antipathy between the TMC and the Left parties, which enjoy a stronger linkage with other parties than the TMC, is another restricting factor for Ms Banerjee.

In fact, SP and JD(U) leaders made it clear they were nor interested in initiating talks with the TMC regarding any new alliance at present. This has not been very encouraging for the TMC, which is looking to spread its wings on the national centre-stage.

Yet, as one Delhi-based observer put it, 'The TMC is a prisoner of its own rhetoric. Ms Banerjee repeatedly stressed her intention of going it alone, staying away from both the BJP and the Congress. Summing up recent results, she said people had voted against Congress policies. Negative votes decided the outcome. She gave no credit to the BJP or the Namo factor. Importantly, she did not run down the BJP or Namo either ! She is testing the water. Naturally, other parties returned the compliment and remained non-committal to the TMC. This is natural at this stage . Most leaders have said that they would explore options only after the polls, not before.'

This did not dampen spirits within the TMC. Its leaders expect to win anything between 34 and 38 seats out of 42 in the next Lok sabha polls from West Bengal. While Congress and left parties hotly dispute such projections, the fact remains that they appear singularly ill-equipped to withstand the increasingly vigorous TMC onslaught on their very base camps . Except for the SP or the BSP, no other regional party could be reasonably expected to win so many seats. The position of the TMC could therefore be dominant in any proposed national consolidation of regional parties in the near future.

However without the support of the Congress or the BJP, no such government would come into power.

As of now, there are other good reasons for the TMC’s present ebullience.. Election results apart, Ms Banerjee's performance as a strict administrator is beginning to have a positive effect. The law and order situation in the troubled Darjeeling and Jangalmahal areas, which remained out of bounds for the ruling Left front , has improved out of sight. Despite local corruption and glitches , rural development works in the Sunderbans and tribal areas have been taken up. Industrial investment , at an all time low two years ago at Rs 312 crore, could go up to nearly Rs 2500 crore this fiscal.

There are plans for a new sea port at Sagar island, a new airport city complex at Burdwan, oil and gas project at Ashokenagar, two major power plants at Burdwan and Purulia to be built by the DVC and the NTPC. The Government plans to provide power to all villages by end 2014, overcoming the 30% deficit left by the outgoing LF. The NREGA projects have been cranked up . Strict work schedules have been drawn up for Government departments and officials, making them more accountable for delays and lapses. Strikes and work disruptions have been minimised - nothing short of a miracle, for West Bengal. The regular district visits made by the Chief Minister too ,have made a major difference.

'It is her record as a hands-on Chief Minister who means business that is beginning to impress even her critics. This is where the LF had failed miserably during 2007-2011, when their government hardly functioned! Her improved governance has enabled the TMC to overcome the serious political challenge posed by the Saradha chit fund scam , her losing battles with the Judiciary or the occasional problems in the Education and Health
and police departments,' says a Kolkata-based analyst.' This makes it increasingly difficult for her opposition to carry out a sustained campaign against the TMC on any issue.'

The situation is not at all conducive for the opposition parties, regardless of their strength at the national level, to make any kind of strong showing against the TMC, as of now. No wonder the Congress and the Left , understanding this, have currently embarked on stepping up their efforts on the agitational path , reviving the Saradha scam and other issues. They might have begun too late. The BJP is feeling buoyed by the Namo factor, which might help them win more non-Bengali Hindu votes. On a large scale , this can upset the TMC applecart in some pockets, as had happened in 2009 LS polls, too. But for the BJP taking away a chunk of votes, the TMC would have won 24, not 18, seats in the LS in 2009 itself. (IPA Service)