Mal (ST) is a Scheduled Tribe–reserved assembly constituency located in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. Situated in the northern part of the Dooars region, the constituency is largely rural, with a significant tribal population. Agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, and tea garden employment form the backbone of the local economy. Mal (ST) is politically significant as it reflects the concerns of tribal communities while also being influenced by broader electoral trends in north Bengal.
In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, the constituency was won by Khageswar Roy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He defeated his nearest rival from the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) by a margin of around 20,000 votes. The victory highlighted the BJP’s growing support among tribal voters in the Dooars region while also showing the constituency’s competitive nature.
Key issues in Mal (ST) centre on development, livelihoods, and social welfare. Tribal communities frequently raise concerns about access to government schemes, land and forest rights, and economic stability. Tea garden workers and farmers emphasise wage security, irrigation support, and crop pricing.