2023 panchayat polls for Trinamool Congress is a springboard for 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee described the state Budget as ‘pro-employment’ in a brief speech shortly after it was presented in the Assembly by Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya on February 16. Giving the customary press conference a miss, she dashed off on a three-district tour to distribute several of the government’s welfare schemes. With the panchayat polls knocking on the door, there is little time to lose.

Notification for the panchayat elections has been stayed by the Calcutta High Court until February 27, which means it is unlikely to be held before the end of April or May.