Mumbai, May 7 (AHN) Novelist and columnist Shobhaa De on Thursday reacted to the Trinamool Congress' defeat in the West Bengal elections, saying that outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has lost the faith and respect of her own people.

Speaking to AHN, Shobhaa De said that Mamata Banerjee, once seen as an undisputed leader by her supporters, had gradually distanced herself from the people of the state.

“I think she lost the faith and respect of her own people. They were very staunch supporters of Didi, and Didi could do no wrong. But in the last few years, she has made some very big mistakes. She has alienated herself from the people. They no longer see her as one of them,” De said.

De alleged that the state's infrastructure had deteriorated and unemployment had become a major concern for the people.

“Infrastructure in the state is in shambles, there are no jobs, and people are struggling. Apart from empty promises, she, her party, and even some of her family members benefited greatly. There are very serious allegations of corruption. Of course, the whole country will find out very soon. There will be raids, ED investigations, and everything will come out. We will also learn where she went wrong,” she said.

De also claimed that Mamata Banerjee failed to connect with women voters in the state and criticised her handling of sensitive issues involving crimes against women.

“She also did not support the mother of a rape and murder victim. After that, people lost faith in her. Finally, the women of West Bengal defeated another woman leader, and why not? She wanted to establish herself like her predecessors, but she could not do that,” De stated.

She added that Mamata Banerjee should now encourage her supporters to accept the electoral defeat gracefully.

“She should tell her supporters that these things happen in politics. She cannot remain the Chief Minister forever. She should have asked people to accept defeat with grace. Instead, she turned it into a personal battle,” she said.

When asked whether the BJP may appoint a woman Chief Minister in West Bengal, Shobhaa De said she did not necessarily believe gender should determine leadership.

“I honestly do not see that happening because the person who has proved himself deserves a chance. Why should he (Suvendu Adhikari) not be given an opportunity? Where is it written that a woman Chief Minister must be succeeded by another woman Chief Minister? Let a man take charge. I am gender-neutral. Even if it is not him, they will find a leader who can inspire confidence among the people of West Bengal,” she said.

Commenting on allegations of lawlessness during the Trinamool Congress regime, De said there was evidence suggesting intimidation and fear among voters.

“Jungle Raj and Gunda Raj certainly existed in some segments, and there can be no argument against that because there is proof of it. People were terrorised and intimidated. Many were afraid to even come out and vote. All this happened under her watch. People do not forget such things. If you rule through fear and intimidation, it is eventually going to backfire, and it has,” she remarked.

On the BJP’s victory in West Bengal, De described the result as a democratic mandate for change and progress in the state.

“The reaction is that of every Indian who monitored this election. It is a vote for Bengal’s progress and a democratic verdict. No one has challenged that aspect of it. This is a very significant development. The BJP appears to have won fair and square. It is a huge and very unexpected victory, and I am sure it completely caught Mamata Banerjee off guard,” she said.

According to De, Mamata Banerjee’s response after the election reflected her unwillingness to accept the outcome.

“She is now saying that something was wrong with the entire process. She is blaming the Election Commission and everyone else while refusing to resign. In my opinion, the new Chief Minister’s swearing-in has already been announced, and they have chosen a very symbolic day, Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary,” she said.

De concluded by saying that although Mamata Banerjee remains a capable politician, she has lost touch with her core supporters in recent years.

“I think Mamata Banerjee is very good at what she does, but over the last few years, her own people have started feeling left out. I believe she has the moral duty to resign. She says she will not do so, and technically, she is right because it is not constitutionally mandatory. It is more of a convention than a rule. Now it depends on the stand taken by the Governor. It will be interesting to see what happens next. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit, and Amit Shah is already there. Whatever position Mamata Banerjee takes is likely to be confrontational. Whether the Governor or even the President takes a call remains to be seen. Since the swearing-in ceremony has already been announced, we will now see what strategy she adopts,” she added.