In the wake of the escalating political heat of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is making concerted efforts to appease the Chinese community in Kolkata. The party has initiated contact with the community by appealing for support in the Mandarin language, while tMC candidate Javed Khan reached out to voters in Chinatown and commissioned Mandarin graffiti on the walls of Tangra to strengthen his campaign.
Political Outreach and Tangra's Evolution
Javed Khan described his constituency as a 'Mini-India,' where people of different religions, castes, and languages coexist. He stated that he decided to appeal in Mandarin to show respect to his Chinese voters. While their numbers have decreased, the community remains significant for political parties as a source of funding, especially during elections. Tangra, which was a major hub for the leather industry in the 1920s, has now transformed into an area famous for its numerous restaurants serving authentic Chinese dishes.
Historical Roots Dating Back to the 18th Century
The roots of this community in the city extend back to the late 18th century. One of the first Chinese settlers was Tong Achew, who arrived in 1778 and started a sugar mill near Budge Budge. Achew was granted 650 bighas of land at an annual rent of 45 rupees. The place where the mill was established came to be known as 'Achipur,' named after him by the locals. By then, another Chinese settlement had formed in Tiretta Bazaar in Central Kolkata, primarily consisting of people from Fujian and Guangdong provinces involved in the opium trade.
Impact of the 1962 War and Population Decline
Following Achew's death, most Chinese residents of Achipur moved to Tiretta Bazaar to integrate with others. Achew's grave and a Chinese temple still exist in Achipur today. By the mid-19th century, Tiretta Bazaar had become a vibrant Chinese neighborhood contributing to businesses like tanneries, laundries, silk work, dentistry, and beauty salons. However, the population, which exceeded 40,000 before the 1962 war, saw a sharp decline. During the war, many were detained in Deoli camps in Rajasthan on suspicion of being Chinese agents. Upon release, many found their homes and businesses destroyed, leading to mass migration.
Demographic Trends and Voter List Updates
The population has seen a consistent decline over the decades as many families sent their children abroad. At least 484 Chinese-Indian names present in the 2002 voter list of three assembly constituencies in Kolkata have been removed from the 2026 list. Of these 484, approximately 80% couldn't be traced, while the rest had passed away.
Voting Patterns and Community Stance
The Indian Chinese Association states that the community is very independent and rarely approaches the government for help. However, most members vote alongside the youth, who are more aware of the current political situation. Despite the dwindling numbers, those who remain in Kolkata consider it their home and continue to be a vital part of the city's multicultural fabric.