WATCH | West Bengal election 2026: Kudmi, Adivasi, Matua identity politics explainedWest Bengal election sees identity politics rise, with Kudmi ST demand, Adivasi Sarna recognition, and Matua citizenship shaping political contest. | Video Credit: Reporting and narration: Suhrid Sankar Chattopadhyay; Camera: Sudip Maiti; Editing: Razal Pareed; Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula VijayarangakumarWith the West Bengal Assembly election approaching, identity politics has once again taken centre stage across the State. From the Kudmi community’s long-standing demand for ST status in Jangalmahal, to Adivasi calls for recognition of Sarna Dharam, and the Matua community’s concerns over citizenship under the CAA, competing claims of identity are shaping electoral narratives on the ground.In regions such as Purulia, Jhargram, Lalgarh, and Thakurnagar, communities are asserting their political significance while raising concerns over recognition, development, and representation. While the BJP and Trinamool Congress battle over questions of citizenship and cultural identity, this ground report examines how belonging, governance, and political mobilisation intersect in West Bengal and what it could mean for the upcoming election.CONTRIBUTE YOUR COMMENTS