Kolkata‘Setting’ is a word that is heard a lot in the politics of West Bengal and this word has become synonymous with both mystery and allegation. Before the 2026 assembly elections, this word has once again returned to the center of political debate. There are allegations of secret agreement (setting) between rival parties. The state’s ruling TMC, main opposition party BJP and the Left Front are all targeting each other.
What is this word ‘setting’ in Bengal politics?
Words like CPMool (CPIM and Trinamool), Bijemool (BJP and Trinamool) and Ram-Baam (BJP and Left Front) are often heard in Bengal politics. TMC has been presenting the ‘Ram-Bam’ theory for a long time, according to which after 2019, the votes of the Left parties gradually shifted towards the BJP, thereby strengthening the BJP. Whereas CPI(M) accuses both the major parties of taking advantage of each other’s existence. BJP leaders say that whenever electoral equations are formed, ‘strategic cooperation’ is seen between TMC and the Left parties. This rhetoric has become more sharp as the elections approach. The focus has shifted from issues of governance and development to the discussion of alleged secret alliances.
Accusations and counter-accusations intensified
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh rejected the allegations of ‘setting’ (secret agreement) and said that only those who are unable to challenge politically, fabricate such things.
State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya says that the scattering of opposition votes on many important seats benefits the ruling party. He alleges that the Left parties and Congress have been indirectly benefiting TMC.
CPIM leader Sujan Chakraborty alleged ‘politics of fear’ between BJP and TMC. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary says that when politics becomes individual-centric, rumors replace ideological debate.
Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir’s new party ‘Janata Unnayan Party’ has also given rise to new discussions. This has given rise to fears that new parties are being formed to change the vote equation.
TMC leaders allege that emerging small parties are trying to cut votes to benefit BJP. Similarly, similar allegations have also been made against ISF and AIMIM. However, these parties have rejected the allegations.
According to analysts, the politics of ‘setting’ is not new in Bengal. There were allegations of secret agreements even during the formation of the first non-Congress government in 1967 and the United Front.
During the Left Front rule, TMC had made allegations of closeness between Congress and CPIM.
Political analysts believe that such allegations do not require concrete evidence. Delay in investigation, action by central agencies or political silence – all give rise to speculation.
In Bengal, ‘setting’ is no longer just an election stunt, but has become an electoral reality, which all parties deny publicly, but the voters listen to eagerly.