The recent appointment of former Union Minister Deepa Dasmunsi as the senior observer for Telangana in the Congress’s list of poll-bound state observers has sparked speculation about her potential re-entry into West Bengal’s electoral arena. Known for her criticism of Mamata Banerjee’s administration, Dasmunsi’s new role is being seen as an indicator of her potential involvement in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. Sources within the Congress suggest that if the INDIA alliance, a bloc of parties, decides to contest the elections together, Dasmunsi could be nominated as a candidate from a parliamentary constituency in north Bengal, a region where the BJP made significant inroads in the last elections.
Deepa Dasmunsi has a political background as a former Congress MLA, having represented Goalpokhar in Uttar Dinajpur district from 2006 to 2009. She stepped into the political spotlight after her husband, former Union Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, suffered a debilitating stroke in 2008. In the aftermath of his stroke, she took over his responsibilities. Tragically, Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi remained on life support until his passing in 2017. Subsequently, in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, Deepa Dasmunsi successfully contested and won the Raiganj parliamentary seat in Uttar Dinajpur, taking over her husband’s place in the Parliament.
A Stint in Governance:
Dasmunsi’s commitment to public service led her to various roles within the government. In August 2009, she became a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice. Her dedication was recognized further in October 2012 when she was appointed Union Minister of State for Urban Development. This period of service allowed her to contribute to matters of public importance and urban development policies.
Electoral Battles and Political Maneuvers:
The political landscape is never short of challenges, and Dasmunsi experienced both successes and setbacks. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, she faced a close contest in the Raiganj constituency against CPI(M)’s Mohammad Salim, losing by a mere 1,634 votes. The competitive race showcased her popularity and demonstrated the resilience of her electoral base.
Continuing her electoral journey, Dasmunsi contested the 2016 West Bengal Assembly polls against Mamata Banerjee herself, challenging her in the Bhowanipore Assembly constituency in Kolkata. Despite her dedicated campaign efforts, she faced defeat in this political showdown.
Dasmunsi’s political trajectory took a new turn in 2017 when she was appointed as the working president of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee. This role marked a shift towards party leadership and organizational responsibilities. Although she maintained a relatively low profile in West Bengal politics since then, her latest appointment as a senior observer for Telangana suggests a potential re-emergence onto the political stage.
The timing of Dasmunsi’s new role has ignited speculation about her future political engagements. Congress insiders indicate that her appointment as a senior observer might be a precursor to her active participation in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. If the INDIA alliance decides to contest the elections collaboratively, Dasmunsi’s name could feature prominently, particularly from the north Bengal region.
Deepa Dasmunsi’s journey in politics has been marked by dedication, resilience, and a commitment to public service. Her latest appointment adds a new layer of intrigue to her political narrative, hinting at a potential return to the electoral battlegrounds of West Bengal. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Dasmunsi’s role and decisions could play a significant role in shaping the upcoming elections and the future trajectory of Bengal’s political scenario.
