Ward 28

Areas covered: Nayapatty, Nazrul Pally, Polenite, Mahisbathan (part), Udayanpalli (part)
Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 1 and Ward 17
Number of voters: 8,194

A word on the ward: The area is predominantly semi-urban where two or three-storeyed houses stand cheek by jowl with low-cost huts with tiled roofs. A huge slum lines the banks of the Kestopur Canal. The water of the canal is filthy and a  breeding ground for mosquitoes. The banks are lined with open toilets. Udayanpalli is a slum area plagued by a lack of electricity supply and basic sanitary facilities. A majority of houses here has metered electricity. There is no primary health care centre and dwellers have to travel to Bidhannagar Sub-divisional Hospital for medical needs. Mahisbathan has bad roads although real estate development has been taking place at a rapid rate here.
The story so far: In the last civic elections held in 2010, Ward 1 comprising Mahisbathan, Udayanpalli, Polenite and Nayapatty had voted for Trinamul. On the other hand, Ward 17 comprising Nazrul Pally had sided with the CPM. In the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, Trinamul won in Ward 1 by 1,070 votes while Ward 17 had given Forward Bloc a lead of 111.

In the fray: The fight is between Trinamul’s Banibrata Banerjee and Raghunath Pramanik, a Polenite resident, who is debuting for the CPM. Banerjee has experience as a councillor, having won the bypoll held in 2013 for Ward 13 of Bidhannagar Municipality, which was marred by violence and booth-capturing. According to party insiders, Banerjee, a resident of FD Block, is close to food and supplies minister Jyotipriyo Mullick but of late the relationship has reportedly soured.

Pramanik has a slight edge over Banerjee as he is a local resident and was a panchayat member of the Mahisbathan 2 area.

Ear to the ground: This is one ward in Salt Lake where political graffiti can still be seen on the walls. In the propaganda race, Banerjee wins hands down. His posters and hoardings are the most visible, followed by BJP candidate Prabhakar Mondal’s. But local residents say that if polling is peaceful then CPM might put up a tough fight here.

Ward 29

Areas covered: Blocks AL, AJ, BJ, CJ, BL, CK, CL, DJ, DK, AK, BK and SA (Houses 71 till end) 

Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 2 and Ward 3

Number of voters: 9,784

A word on the ward: This area is a part of the planned area of Salt Lake and is characterised by residential houses and parks. Most people are well-educated. The problem areas include security and water supply. Thefts have become a concern, particularly in BL Block where recently three thefts were reported in a month.
The story so far: In the 2010 polls, residents of Ward 2 voted CPM to power while Krishna Chakraborty, the chairperson of the erstwhile Bidhannagar Municipality, was elected from Ward 3 on a Trinamul ticket. In recent times, this has become a BJP stronghold, having given the party a lead of 1,002 votes (Ward 2) and 829 votes (Ward 3) in the Lok Sabha polls. 

In the fray: This is a ward to watch out. Krishna Chakraborty is locking horns with the Left Front’s Saswati Mondal who was the councillor of Ward 2. The third candidate in the triangular fight is BJP’s Uma Shankar Ghosh Dastidar. Interestingly, Congress’s Sudip Dey who was Chakraborty’s election agent, is also in the fray. He is well-known in the locality.

Ear to the ground: This ward has a sizeable Hindi-speaking population. Although Trinamul is wooing this section of voters, BJP is confident of retaining its support base.

Chakraborty is the most familiar face of the three, having been the chairperson of the municipality. However, her husband Samir Chakraborty’s alleged involvement in the Saradha deposit mobilisation scam has not gone unnoticed among residents.

Mondal is quite popular in several blocks and is know for her down-to-earth image and easy accessibility.

Ward 30

Areas covered: Digantika, AH, BH, BG, CG, DG, SA (houses 1 till 70), Kestopur Canal-side slum, AF, Baisakhi and AG
Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 4 and Ward 5

Number of voters: 8,638

A word on the ward: The ward has big housing complexes like Baisakhi and Digantika alongside standalone residential properties. Many blocks in this area line the Kestopur Canal and are a happy hunting ground for mosquitoes and   thieves who use the footbridges to escape to Kestopur. Street-lighting continues to be a problem here although the municipality has installed several new streetlamps and trident lamps. At AMP Vaisaakkhi, the mall near Baisakhi, vendors were promised stalls for which they were handed possession letters but the stalls have still not been set up. 

The story so far: In the 2010 civic polls, residents of Ward 3 voted Anita Mondal to power who headed the municipality for a year but had to resign. Trinamul won in Ward 5 too. 

For Lok Sabha, BJP took a lead of 829 votes in Ward 3 while Ward 5 gave a slender lead of 188 to Trinamul.
In the fray: The main contenders are Anita Mondal and CPM’s Ophelia Sinha who is a debutante. Sinha, a teacher by profession, is active in the cultural circuit of AH Block and has been in politics since college. On the other hand, Mondal has been the councillor from this area and is well-known. But a section of the local residents feels she has not done much. 

Ear to the ground: Mondal has done extensive door-to-door campaigning in the area and scores in terms of outdoor publicity. Sinha too has been campaigning aggressively. Several residents say development and civic amenities will decide their vote. Some are critical of the Trinamul board for having been unable to solve issues like rampant encroachment. 

Ward 31

Areas covered: BF, CF, CE, DE, DF, Central Park, AE and BE

Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 6, Ward 7 (part) and Ward 8
Number of voters: 8,406

A word on the ward: This ward has the highest number of Hindi-speaking voters in Salt Lake — approximately 62 per cent. The township’s most affluent pocket is home to several high-profile businessmen. The entire area is well-lit, has reasonably good roads and well-maintained parks.

The story so far: In 2010, Wards 6, 7 and 8 all voted for the Trinamul Congress. In 2014, BJP got a massive lead of 1,271 from Ward 6 and a lead of 320 from Ward 8. Ward 7 too had gone the BJP way.

In the fray: Former vice-chairman of the erstwhile Bidhannagar Municipality and Rajarhat New Town MLA Sabyasachi Dutta is the heavyweight Trinamul candidate here. His main rival is BJP’s Dilip Ghosh, a doctor and a former CPM councillor.

Ear to the ground: The Trinamul Congress began its poll campaign in Salt Lake by inviting members of the Marwari community to a meeting where several heads of socio-cultural  organisations reportedly pledged their support for Dutta. The two-time local councillor is active in organising the local Kali puja and Ganesh puja in BF-CF blocks. His rival Ghosh was councillor of Ward 11 from 2005 to 2010. In his tenure, Ghosh had turned Ward 11 into a model ward. This ward has well-maintained parks, high-mast towers, trident lights and smaller boulevard lights. Still, residents of some blocks are unhappy with the illumination in the inside lanes. Scarcity of water is reported in some pockets. 

Dutta, known to be well-heeled, has wrapped the area with his banners, billboards and posters. 

Ward 32

Areas covered: ED (Karunamoyee), DL, and EE 

Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 14 and 15 (part)

Number of voters: 9,145 

A word on the ward: Apart from residential blocks DL and EE, this ward has Salt Lake’s largest housing complex Karunamoyee Housing Estate. The roads inside the housing estate are riddled with potholes. All monsoon, the area sunk under knee-deep water after every shower. Several apartments here suffer from a perennial water problem and residents complain of inadequate street lights in some lanes. The road from Tank 10 to Tank 12 near EE Block is in bad shape. Residents of the block allege that in summer they have to buy water from private tankers. The announcement of a civic mortuary near Matri Sadan had also raised their hackles. For DL Block, a part of which is adjacent to Eastern Drainage Canal, the major concern is lack of security and inadequate streetlights. The area around the Karunamoyee bus stop is heavily encroached by hawkers.

The story so far: In 2010, the Trinamul Congress won from Wards 14 and 15. In 2014, BJP and Trinamul went neck and neck, with the former getting wafer-thin leads.

In the fray: CPM’s mayoral candidate and former finance minister Asim Dasgupta is contesting from here. Against him is Trinamul’s oldest candidate Sudhir Saha, 70, who was the councillor of the erstwhile municipality’s Ward 15.
Ear to the ground: Dasgupta, despite being 69, has campaigned extensively much to the surprise of residents here. Some are happy that a highly educated man like Dasgupta is contesting from the ward. Saha has little local support. His performance as councillor of Ward 15 has dissatisfied some residents.

Ward 33

Areas covered: FC, FD, FE, FF, FB, GB, GC, HA till Tank 13 

Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 13 and Ward 21
Number of voters: 9,423

A word on the ward: The ward has mostly residential blocks along with the ESI Housing Complex. The Broadway cuts across the ward and residents point out how areas near the islands on the Broadway, namely Amul Island, EZCC Island and GD Island, have sunk in, creating huge craters. Although the Broadway is well-lit, there are areas where streetlights have stopped working. Many want more lights inside the blocks and the garbage disposal system to improve.

The story so far: In 2010, both Ward 13 and 21 voted Left. In the bypolls, Trinamul’s Banibrata Banerjee wrested Ward 13 amid allegations of violence and booth capturing. In 2014, both wards swung right, giving BJP leads of 1,264 and 534 votes respectively. 

In the fray: CPM has fielded minister Subhas Chakraborty’s widow Ramola against Trinamul’s Neelanjana Manna, the daughter of football icon Sailen Manna. Both are residents of FD Block. Chakraborty had lost the 2009 Assembly bypolls to Sujit Bose. Some residents are upset that Manna has used her father’s picture in her hoardings as he was apolitical all his life. Manna was the councillor of Ward 14 of the erstwhile municipality and ED Block residents allege she has done little development in the ward except beautifying a few parks inside the complex.

Ear to the ground: Residents point to an acute water problem in the ward. Mosquitoes are also a concern. Some are upset that a food park has come up next to FD Park. Security inside the ward, particularly of women, top priority lists of some. Others want more lights and CCTVs to be installed in the blocks.

Ward 34

Areas covered: GD, GE, HB, slum of GD, HC, IB, IC, JC, JD and KC

Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 16 and Ward 20 (part)

Number of voters: 7,093

A word on the ward: Alongside the residential blocks there are housing complexes in IC, JC, JD and KC blocks. The residential complexes, being maintained by the CMDA, have their own set of problems — lack of drinking water, inadequate lighting and ill-maintained playgrounds. The blocks report problems like water shortage and drainage in pockets. The parks are well-maintained but the streets inside several blocks are pot-holed. Several high mast lamps and streetlights have been installed here in recent years. 

The story so far: In 2010, Ward 16 was won by Trinamul while Ward 20 voted for the CPM. Both gave a lead to BJP — of 547 and 109 respectively — in 2014.

In the fray: The Trinamul has fielded former chairman-in-council member of the municipality Devasish Jana. His main rival appears to be CPM’s Dilip Bhaduri although his poll campaign has been weak compared to Jana’s.
Ear to the ground: The ward is wrapped in Jana’s banners and hoardings. A few of Bhaduri’s banners can be seen near the HB Block community centre and red flags dot KC Block. Jana holds an edge in the contest, being better-known. 

Ward 35

Areas covered: Sukantanagar, Nalban, Nicco Park, Sector IV, Milannagar and Nabapally

Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 19 and Ward 18 (part)

Number of voters: 7,564 

A word on the ward: This ward is a mix of semi-urban and urban areas. Sukantanagar has witnessed rapid real estate development. Milananagar and Nabapally too have witnessed growth. But in some areas basic civic amenities have failed to keep pace with the rapid growth. 
Rampant illegal construction, scarcity of water and lack of healthcare facilities plague residents. Anybody falling ill has to travel to Bidhannagar Sub-divisional Hospital or Matri Sadan for treatment. Some residents complain of a lack of illumination in the area and that roads are seldom repaired. There has been little development here compared to Salt Lake.

The story so far: Both wards had voted for CPM in the 2010 elections. In 2014, the Forward Bloc got a lead of 345 from Ward 19. But in Ward 18, Trinamul surged ahead by 463.

In the fray: This is going to be a close fight between CPM’s Ashim Guha and Trinamul’s Joydeb Naskar. Guha is very popular in the area. Known for his honest and upright image, he was the local councillor for two terms, in 1995 and 2000, and is easily approachable, say residents. On the other hand, Naskar is an outsider. His alleged links with the real estate syndicate also ticks a wrong box. He has studied till Class VIII.

Ear to the ground: Naskar has spent a fortune on poll propaganda. All entry and exit points of the ward have huge gates that urge people to vote for him. He also has installed a backlit signboard and an LED display near Chingrihata crossing. Guha on the other hand has depended on handbills and simple banners that betray his concerns: “Vote dakati rukhtey, shanti nirapotta o ganatantra ferate...” 

Ward 36

Areas covered: Chhainabi, Kulipara, Uttargarumara, Durgabasan, Chakerbheri, Ghoshpara, Khasmahal, Trinath Pally, Naobhanga, No 4 bheri, Shantinagar, Makalpota, Basanti Devi Colony 

Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 17 and Ward 18 (part)
A word on the ward: This ward is primarily a rural belt. Thatched huts and tiled roofs overlook bheris with the highrises of Sector V in the backdrop. Pisciculture is the main source of income here. Some are employed as housekeeping staff by private companies in Sector V and adjoining areas. 

Number of voters: 10,311 (the highest number in Salt Lake )

The story so far: Ward 17 and 18 had voted for CPM in 2010. In 2014, Ward 17 gave Forward Bloc a slender lead of 111 votes. Ward 18 voted for the Trinamul Congress.

In the fray: The ward is likely to witness a contest between CPM’s Belapati Munda and Trinamul’s Prabir Sardar. 
Ear to the ground: A narrow road that leads to the ward is in pathetic condition. While Trinamul banners and hoardings are everywhere there is a striking absence of Munda’s publicity material  save a few red flags bearing the CPM symbol. Residents feel that both the previous CPM councillors had tried their best to uplift the living conditions here. Still, some houses lack sanitation facilities. There is also an apprehension of violence and electoral malpractices here.

Ward 37

Areas covered: IA, GA (Purbachal), JA, JB, LA, LB, KA and KB

Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 21, Ward 22 and Ward 20 (part)

Number of voters: 7,475

A word on the ward: It is a mix of residential and non-residential blocks. The Salt Lake stadium and Sports Authority of India complex are part of JB and KA Blocks respectively. LB and KB blocks have housing complexes for government employees. While KB Block residents complain of erratic water supply, lighting inside the complex and overgrown bushes, IA Block residents complain of bad roads and insufficient lights, and demand better garbage disposal and sewerage system. 

The story so far: In 2010, both Ward 20 and Ward 21 voted for the CPM. Trinamul won Ward 22. In 2014, Ward 21 gave BJP a lead of 534. The fight was neck and neck in Ward 22, resulting in a lead of 84 votes for Trinamul. The majority in Ward 20 had voted for the BJP.

In the fray: Two former councillors face off here. CPM’s Aloka Patra was the councillor of Ward 20 while Minu Das Chakraborty, who has studied till Class X, won from Ward 22 on a Trinamul ticket. Patra takes tuition classes and is a physiotherapist.

Ear to the ground: Banners of both promise development. This will be a tightly contested ward as Chakraborty is popular in Purbachal. Patra, on the other hand, has a clean and calm image that is strikingly different from Chakraborty’s who is known to be boisterous. Patra is well-known in KB and IA blocks. Both candidates have listed out their development plans for the area during their campaigns.

Ward 38

Areas covered: Duttabad (major part)

Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 23

Number of voters: 8,439

A word on the ward: This is the oldest slum area of Salt Lake where settlers have held up the East West Metro construction for a long time. A total of 17,080 settlers stay here in 3,429 houses of various tenements. Myriad and complex problems plague the area. Not all houses have water taps. Most don’t have proper toilets and rely on community ones constructed by the civic body. Water supply, residents complain, is erratic and there are long queues at the community taps. The ponds in the area are filthy and garbage disposal service is absent. Mosquitoes breed freely in the stagnant water of the ponds. According to locals, some ponds are also being filled up on the sly to make way for more houses here. 

The story so far: This ward supported a CPM candidate in 2010. In 2014, Forward Bloc got a lead of 235.

In the fray: CPM’s Radhanath Chand who was the councillor from Duttabad is contesting against Trinamul’s Nirmal Dutta. Dutta, a plumber by profession who has studied till Class IV, is a political greenhorn. Chand is popular amongst residents as he had undertaken several development projects in the area including setting up of water taps at several locations, construction of public toilets and installation of streetlights in the alleys. He is also said to be approachable and helpful.  

Ear to the ground: Huge banners and hoardings of Dutta can be seen near the Shiv temple. In sharp contrast, Chand’s presence is missing on the walls. He had lodged a police complaint alleging that his banners and posters were being removed under cover of darkness. Apprehensions of poll violence are in the air as are allegations of intimidation by “outsiders”

Ward 39

Areas covered: DA, DB, EA, BA, CA, CB, Duttabad (part) 

Earlier wards under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 24, Ward 25 (part) and Ward 10 (part)

Number of voters: 6,063  

A word on the ward: The ward has several housing complexes like Shyamoli Abasan, Vidyasagar Housing Society and Telecom Housing Complex, other than the residential blocks and a part of Duttabad. The problems in the houses and the slums are as different as are their demographics. While the residential blocks complain of a lack of security with thefts being common occurances, Duttabad wants garbage disposal, eradication of the mosquito menace and better sanitation. The housing complexes demand better garbage collection, better lighting and repaired streets inside the complex. The one common problem plaguing the entire ward is scarcity of water in some pockets in summer.

The story so far: In 2010, Wards 10 and 25 voted for the Trinamul while Ward 25 voted for the CPM. In 2014, Wards 24, 25 and 10 — all went the BJP way. 

In the fray: This ward pits Trinamul’s Rajesh Chirimar against CPM’s Subhendu Kundu. Chirimar, although a poll debutant, is well-versed in politics, being a close aide of Bidhannagar MLA Sujit Bose. Possibly the richest candidate in the fray, Chirimar has declared assets worth Rs 2,80,50,130.89. He owns a house in Salt Lake’s GC Block, a flat in Kaikhali and two cars. Kundu is the secretary of BA Block and is very popular. Known as Pompada in the para, he has a reputation of being helpful. While Chirimar holds a BA degree in political science, Kundu has a B.Sc degree. 
Ear to the ground: Chirimar has extensively campaigned along with Bose and other Trinamul leaders. He has also gone door to door in the residential blocks and household complexes while focussing on street corner meetings in Duttabad. 

Kundu had a low-key approach in his  campaign. According to residents, while Kundu’s appeal lies in his easy approachability Chirimar has charmed many with his attitude. 

Kundu is quite active at the block level. According to residents, this advantage might be hard to counter for Chirimar.

Ward 40

 

Areas covered: CC, CD, DD, EB, EC, DC

Earlier ward under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 11 and Ward 12

Number of voters: 8,290

A word on the ward: This ward has mostly residential blocks along with Labony Estate. Problems include recurring thefts and poor lighting in some pockets. Of late, there has been a spurt of dengue in CD Block. Roads too are an area of concern.

The story so far: In 2010, Ward 11 and 12 both voted for the Trinamul Congress. In 2014, both these wards had given leads to the BJP — 273 votes in Ward 11 and 267 votes in Ward 12.

In the fray: The fight is between Trinamul’s Tulsi Sinha Roy and BJP’s Shila Tandon. Sinha Roy, a lawyer who was the councillor of Ward 11, has an edge over Tandon who is contesting her first election.
Sinha Roy is well-known and residents of her former ward are happy with her development work in their ward. Tandon has campaigned extensively in the area and according to insiders, enjoys the tacit support of a former Trinamul councillor.

Ear to the ground: Residents of the area have demanded better lighting and drainage system from both Sinha Roy and Tandon. Some feel if the disgruntled former Trinamul councillor lends her his support then it might be a closely fought contest.

Ward 41

Areas covered: AA, AB, AC, AD, Kestopur Canal-side slum, BB, BC, BD

Earlier ward under Bidhannagar Municipality: Ward 7 (part),  Ward 10 (part), Ward 25 (part) and Ward 9
Number of voters: 9,450 

A word on the ward: Basically a residential area, this ward also covers a part of the slum along the Kestopur Canal. Highly educated well-to-do families make up the major chunk of voters here. Residents of several blocks complain of regular thefts.The area is close to Kestopur Canal and has several footbridges which provide an easy escape route. They also want better water supply, better roads and better drainage system. Some also felt that the banks of the Kestopur Canal should be beautified and encroachment stopped.

The story so far: In 2010, wards 7, 9, 10 and 25 had voted for the Trinamul Congress. In 2014, all four wards had gone the BJP way.  

In the fray: This will be a tight contest between Anindya Chatterjee who has got the Trinamul nomination and Anupam Dutta who has not. The former Trinamul Congress councillor of Ward 7 is contesting as an independent candidate. Dutta, who was the longest serving Trinamul councillor in Salt Lake, has been axed from the party for his move. He has immense clout in the area. Chatterjee, on the other hand, is known for a flamboyant image. 

Ear to the ground: Despite being an independent candidate, Dutta’s banners and symbol (twin leaves) can be seen throughout the ward. His long association with Balaka club in BD Block augments his chances. Chatterjee has gone all out ever since the elections were announced. From arranging colourful rallies to greeting everyone at their doorstep, he has left no stone unturned to ensure his victory.