SIR fallout obliterated localised anti-incumbency in WB, no discontent against Mamata: Sagarika

KOLKATA: (Mar 22) TMC's Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose said anti-incumbency in West Bengal, which was localised, has largely been obscured by the fallout of the SIR exercise, giving the party a distinct edge over the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections.

The journalist-turned-politician, who has been named one of the TMC's star campaigners for the polls, asserted that Mamata Banerjee, as a leader, doesn't face any disenchantment among her supporters. Such sentiments, she added, may have prevailed against a section of local leaders who have been replaced as candidates in the elections.

In its list of 291 candidates, declared by Banerjee on March 17, the TMC dropped 74 sitting MLAs, nearly a third of its legislative strength, signaling a calibrated counter anti-incumbency strategy.