Mamata Banerjee Sets Stage for Intense West Bengal Election Battle

The ruling TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, announced its candidates for the West Bengal assembly elections, contesting 291 of 294 seats. Banerjee expressed confidence in retaining power and targeted the BJP, predicting their decline. Three seats will be contested by ally Anit Thapa-led BGPM in Darjeeling.

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), announced the party's candidates for the 2026 assembly elections, where the TMC will contest 291 out of 294 seats. The remaining three constituencies in the Darjeeling hills will be covered by ally Anit Thapa-led Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM).

During a press conference in Kolkata, Banerjee confidently predicted that TMC would secure more than 226 seats, ensuring their continued governance. She reassured party members that those not selected as candidates will still have roles within the organization.

Banerjee also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), projecting a decline in their representation as a response to what she called 'anti-people policies'. The upcoming elections are poised to be a critical and heated contest in West Bengal’s political arena.