Two crucial electoral processes in South Asia are unfolding in close proximity, raising concerns about the potential for heightened regional tensions. As Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal prepare for their respective votes, analysts warn that the divisive nature of campaign rhetoric could spill over borders, impacting communal harmony.
The Twin Polls: A Volatile Proximity
The political landscapes of Bangladesh and West Bengal are deeply interconnected, sharing not just a long border but also linguistic, cultural, and historical ties. This intrinsic link means that political narratives crafted for domestic audiences in one region inevitably resonate across the boundary. Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh (retd), in his analysis dated 30 December 2025, highlights this precise vulnerability. He points out that when elections in these neighbouring regions coincide or occur in quick succession, the risk of polemical politics exacerbating existing fault lines increases significantly.
The Mechanics of a Spillover Effect
How does a political narrative in one democracy affect another? The mechanisms are multifaceted. Political parties, in a bid to consolidate their vote banks, may employ rhetoric that targets or glorifies specific communal or ethnic identities. Given the shared demographics, such messaging can be perceived as a direct signal to similar groups across the border. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of action and reaction, where local political strategies inadvertently fuel sentiments in the neighbouring nation. The retired Lieutenant General underscores that this blurring of electoral narratives poses a unique challenge to stability.
Potential Consequences for Regional Stability
The immediate consequence of such cross-border political fuelling is the potential for animosity between communities that have coexisted for generations. It can strain diplomatic channels and complicate bilateral relations at an official level. Furthermore, it can provide fertile ground for non-state actors to exploit these manufactured divisions for their own gains. The core argument is that the pursuit of electoral victory, when devoid of responsibility, can have costs that extend far beyond the ballot box and national borders. The shared legacy and future of Bangladesh and West Bengal demand a more conscientious approach from political leaderships on both sides.
In conclusion, the electoral exercises in Bangladesh and West Bengal are not isolated events. They are, as noted by Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh (retd), interconnected phenomena where the political discourse of one can become the security concern of the other. The need of the hour is for political actors to recognize this delicate dynamic and exercise restraint, ensuring that democratic fervor does not morph into lasting discord.
