Kolkata: Whether at work or working from home, people will have one eye glued to the election scoreboard as the nail-biting electoral season ends with counting on Monday.Unlike previous polls that revolved around a single dominant issue and relatively predictable outcomes, this year’s political climate is markedly different. A strong sense of urgency and seriousness prevails, with many describing it as a “decisive moment” for the region’s future.From Kolkata to Darjeeling, even Nandigram, one discussion that dominates every group is who will win the 2026 Bengal election.The questions revolve around whether Trinamool Congress will retain office or the ‘parivartan’ drive will bring BJP to office.Kolkata’s Avik Ray Chaudhuri, a senior manager, will be oscillating between the EC website, social media channels and office work. Same with senior Calcutta High Court advocate Nayan Bihani, who has an appearance on Monday before the National Green Tribunal. “I would request the judges not to take up matters if all lawyers are not present as they have been requested previously,” he said.WhatsApp groups are already buzzing with speculative spreadsheets and “booth-level” internal reports. At a rice ceremony in Joka on Sunday, invitees formed a WhatsApp group to share information. “Each one seems to have a different opinion, leading me to think it will be a close contest. We had relatives coming from Midnapore, Burdwan and even Siliguri,” said Sanchita Biswas, who attended the function.In areas near the city where “SIR” factor remained a massive issue, public gatherings at community clubs and markets are expected to be the primary hubs for monitoring results. “I have online office. Even if I work, one eye will be on the mobile,” said Annaya Saha of Beleghata. “At a get-together of friends and professionals, we will watch the proceedings together,” Jibadip Bhadury, a self-employed HR training and development freelancer, said.The tension has also gripped the Hills. From offices and marketplaces to tea gardens and taxi stands, political discussions dominate daily conversations. “This time, it’s not just about party loyalty. People are thinking about development, accountability and long-term change, which is why the outcome is so unpredictable,” said Penchen Wangdi Bhutia, 35, an employee with the dept of health and family welfare. At Nandigram, Bappaditya Maity, a Bengali teacher, will be in search of a ‘moment’ in between classes on Monday to get an update on who leads in his area. (Inputs from Srishti Lakhotia in Kolkata and Suman Mandal in Nandigram)
