KKN Gurugram Desk | In a move that has stirred political discussions ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again played the OBC (Other Backward Classes) card, this time by adding 76 new castes to the OBC list in the state. Along with this, she has also approved the creation of a new sub-division in Farakka. These decisions are seen as part of her strategy to consolidate the votes of backward communities, particularly the Muslim and Dalit voter bases, which are crucial for her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), in the upcoming elections.

West Bengal’s OBC List Gets 76 New Additions

Mamata Banerjee’s government in West Bengal has approved the inclusion of 76 new castes into the OBC category. This move comes after the West Bengal Backward Classes Commission’s recommendations. These castes will be added to the existing 64 caste groups on the OBC list, aimed at providing more opportunities for socially and economically backward communities in the state. The decision holds particular significance as the state gears up for its legislative elections in 2026.

The move is expected to benefit a large section of the population by ensuring better access to government jobs and educational opportunities, which would help in improving their socio-economic conditions. The TMC government’s push for this decision indicates its efforts to increase its appeal among backward communities in the state, who make up a significant portion of the electorate.

Farakka’s New Sub-Division: A Strategic Move for Better Administration

In another significant administrative decision, the West Bengal cabinet has approved the creation of a new sub-division in Farakka, located in the Murshidabad district. This new sub-division will consist of Farakka, Shamsherganj, Suti-1, and Suti-2 blocks, all of which were previously part of the Jangipur sub-division. With an increasing population and administrative challenges in the Jangipur area, the decision to create a separate sub-division was seen as necessary to improve governance and administrative efficiency.

To facilitate this, the government has also sanctioned the creation of 109 contract-based positions across various administrative levels in the new sub-division. This move is expected to enhance the capacity of local administration in managing the growing population and provide better governance to the region, which has witnessed increasing demands for better infrastructure and services.

Mamata Banerjee’s Strategy: Appealing to the Muslim Voter Base

Mamata Banerjee’s decision to include 76 new castes in the OBC list is largely viewed as a strategic move to solidify the support of the Muslim and Dalit communities, which form a substantial portion of her electoral base. The Muslim population in West Bengal constitutes around 27-30% of the total population, making it a significant vote bank for any political party aiming to gain power in the state.

The newly added castes to the OBC list are expected to benefit from reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, thus enhancing their socio-economic standing. This is likely to galvanize support for Mamata Banerjee, particularly among communities that traditionally support the TMC. As the 2026 Assembly elections draw closer, the move is seen as a calculated attempt to attract these communities, ensuring that they continue to back her party.

However, this decision is not without controversy. The inclusion of certain Muslim castes in the OBC list has raised eyebrows, with critics accusing Mamata Banerjee of using the move for political gain by appealing to the Muslim vote bank. In 2024, the Calcutta High Court had annulled OBC certificates for 77 Muslim castes that had been issued since 2010, calling it an instance of “vote bank politics.” Despite this, Mamata Banerjee chose to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court, underlining the importance she places on this issue for her political prospects.

If the 76 new castes, many of which could be Muslim, are included in the OBC list, the political ramifications could be significant. The controversy surrounding this issue might intensify if it is perceived that the decision is aimed primarily at securing the Muslim vote. This, in turn, could lead to further debate and potential legal challenges.

Other Key Decisions Taken by the Cabinet

Apart from the OBC and administrative changes, the West Bengal cabinet also took a significant step in approving the re-opening of the bidding process for the Tajpur Deep-Sea Port project. Initially awarded to Adani Ports in 2023, the intention letter was revoked, and now the project is up for bidding again. The estimated cost of this project is around ₹25,000 crore, which makes it one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the state.

The cabinet has also approved the creation and filling of 336 positions in several key departments, including home, health, finance, law, and municipal affairs. These measures are aimed at strengthening the state’s administrative machinery and improving the delivery of essential services to the public.

Farakka: A Response to Communal Tensions and Administrative Needs

Mamata Banerjee’s announcement of creating a new sub-division in Farakka also addresses the recent communal tensions in the region. Farakka, which has witnessed rising religious tensions in recent times, will benefit from improved administrative oversight with the formation of a new sub-division. This decision reflects Mamata Banerjee’s attempt to stabilize the situation in the area and improve governance.

By restructuring the administrative divisions and strengthening the local governance structure, the TMC-led government aims to ensure better management of public resources, ease communal tensions, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in these areas.

As West Bengal approaches its next legislative elections, Mamata Banerjee’s recent decisions reveal a blend of political calculation and administrative reforms. The inclusion of 76 new castes in the OBC list and the creation of a new sub-division in Farakka are significant steps that reflect the TMC’s strategic focus on consolidating the support of backward communities, particularly the Muslim and Dalit vote banks.

The changes aim to improve the socio-economic standing of these communities through reservations in education and employment while also addressing administrative challenges in fast-growing areas like Farakka. However, these moves also risk fueling further political controversy, particularly around the issue of Muslim castes in the OBC list. As the election season draws closer, Mamata Banerjee’s ability to navigate these sensitive issues will likely determine her political fortunes in the 2026 Assembly elections.

This combination of political maneuvering and policy decisions highlights the TMC’s approach to securing its position in the state, with a clear focus on electoral strategies aimed at key voter groups. The coming months will be critical as these moves are scrutinized by political analysts and the electorate alike.