Trinamool Congress to Contest 291 Seats in West Bengal Elections

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has declared its intention to contest 291 out of the 294 seats in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who leads the party, expressed strong confidence in the TMC's ability to secure a significant majority in the elections scheduled for April 23 and April 29, 2026. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee officially announced the candidates for the elections, stating, "We will win more than 226 seats in the 2026 Assembly polls." She will be vying for election from the Bhabanipur constituency, where she shifted after losing the previous election in Nandigram to rival Suvendu Adhikari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In the intense political rivalry, Suvendu Adhikari's selection by the BJP as a candidate from Bhabanipur marks a pivotal moment in the electoral landscape. In the 2021 Assembly elections, Adhikari defeated Banerjee by a narrow margin of just 1,956 votes in the politically significant Nandigram constituency.

During her announcement, Banerjee reassured those party members who did not secure candidacy slots, promising they would be included within the party’s organisational framework. She highlighted her belief that the BJP would face a reduction in its seat tally compared to the previous elections, stating, "The BJP’s tally will decrease in this election. They will receive a befitting reply for their anti-people policies."

As the TMC prepares for what it considers a crucial battle to maintain power, the BJP has also declared its candidates in a separate announcement. With nominations reflecting both experienced political figures and newer faces, the BJP has chosen to field Suvendu Adhikari from two constituencies, Nandigram and Bhabanipur, highlighting a strategic move to reinforce his role as a significant adversary to Banerjee’s leadership.

Political analysts view this contest as a critical juncture for both parties, with the outcome expected to influence the future political dynamics in West Bengal. Observers are keenly noting the grassroots strategies employed by both the TMC and the BJP as they prepare for one of the most closely watched electoral contests in recent memory.