By: SHREYA CHAKRABORTY, ABHIJIT DAS, NABANITA DHAR
This study explores the socio-political dynamics of major political parties in North Dum Dum Municipality (NDDM), West Bengal. The focus of this study is on the supporters of these parties, the party systems, the political symbolism of these parties, and the impact of social media on political culture. Employing an anthropological approach, it synthesizes fieldwork, interviews, case studies, and social media analysis to investigate the influence of political campaigns on voter behavior. The political parties in NDDM function as cohesive social units, fostering shared identities and community solidarity. The findings indicate that AITC, BJP, and CPI(M) are the predominant parties in NDDM, with each employing political symbolism, leader imagery, and party emblems to establish a connection with voters. Although conventional methods such as door-to-door canvassing and wall writings continue to play a pivotal role in voter engagement, particularly among supporters of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Trinamool Congress, social media has emerged as a vital conduit for connecting with younger voters. The 2021 and 2024 West Bengal elections demonstrated the strategic use of political slogans, visual campaigns, and grassroots mobilization in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes. By integrating conventional methodologies with digital strategies, political parties have engendered a charged atmosphere that has influenced not only political loyalties but also voter behavior. This offers insights into the evolution of political engagement in North Dum Dum Municipality (NDDM) and the broader electoral dynamics in India.
