KOLKATA – As West Bengal enters its first phase of the 2026 Assembly elections this Thursday, the political landscape is charged with tension. This election is marked by a significant shift in the electorate following a “Special Intensive Review” (SIR) that saw 91 lakh voters removed from the rolls, setting the stage for a fierce showdown between Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP.
1. Bhabanipur: The Ultimate Rematch
In the most high-profile contest of the year, Mamata Banerjee and her former lieutenant Suvendu Adhikari face off once again. After their 2021 battle in Nandigram, the rivalry shifts to Bhabanipur, a traditional TMC fortress in South Kolkata. While Adhikari aims to repeat his giant-killing feat, the Chief Minister is looking to consolidate her home turf.
2. Nandigram: Honor vs. Revenge
Nandigram remains the emotional heart of Bengal’s politics. Suvendu Adhikari is eyeing a hat-trick here, but he faces a unique challenge from Pabitra Kar. Kar, a former BJP local leader and close aide of Adhikari, recently defected back to the TMC, making this a battle of personal betrayals and local influence.
3. Bhangar: The ISF Wildcard
Bhangar has become a flashpoint for political violence, recently placed under Kolkata Police jurisdiction for better oversight. Nawsad Siddique, the incumbent and sole ISF MLA, is fighting for re-election in a four-cornered contest against TMC’s Saokat Molla and representatives from the Congress and BJP.
4. Samsergunj: The Shadow of Unrest
Following the violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act last year, Samsergunj in Murshidabad has become a litmus test for communal and political stability. The TMC, which has held the seat for a decade, faces a stiff challenge from the BJP and Congress as voters react to the aftermath of last year’s deadly clashes.
5. Panihati: The RG Kar Legacy
In a move that has captured national attention, the BJP has fielded Ratna Debnath, the mother of the victim in the 2024 RG Kar Hospital case. She is up against Tirthankar Ghosh, the son of a TMC veteran. The BJP hopes to tap into the widespread public anger following the tragedy, while the TMC seeks to hold onto a seat it has won consistently since 2011.
Election Roadmap
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Phase 1: Thursday, April 23, 2026
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Phase 2: April 29, 2026
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Counting Day: May 4, 2026
