The Rise of Mamata Banerjee

Good governance has gained currency in recent years. A very healthy competition is being witnessed among Indian states on the issue of good governance. Good governance is not only closely linked to the growth and development of a state or the region, but it also assures victory in elections. SKOCH State of Governance 2018 report is released in the run-up to the general election. The report springs several surprises and interesting developments. The biggest surprise has come from Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal. The state that was marred by economic stagnation, strikes and labour unrest for decades under the Communist Party rule is now setting examples on good governance practices. The states that have performed exceedingly well in the SKOCH State of Governance 2018 ranking are also the one helmed by strong leadership. Voters have reposed faith and elected those leaders again and again who have delivered on good governance promises. This is why these leaders have won election after election, irrespective of the party line. Narendra Modi had won back-to-back elections in Gujarat serving as chief minister of the state for 13-years before assuming the charge as the Prime Minister of India. Leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and N Chandrababu Naidu have done exceedingly well in elections after delivering on their promises on good governance. Their governance models and success stories are mentioned in detail in their respective state reports. However, it is pertinent to highlight some of the spectacular performances here.