Bhabanipur's Political Arena
The Bhabanipur constituency in South Kolkata has been a stronghold for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) since their ascent to power in 2011. This seat gained
national attention in 2021 when Mamata Banerjee, having faced a defeat in Nandigram, contested a by-election here to secure her position as Chief Minister. She achieved a significant victory, garnering 71.9 percent of the votes. For the upcoming 2026 elections, there are reports suggesting the BJP might field Suvendu Adhikari, who is also contesting from Nandigram, against Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, intensifying the electoral contest in this pivotal urban seat.
Nandigram's Heated Battle
Located in Purba Medinipur district, Nandigram was the scene of a significant political upset in 2021 when BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, a two-time MLA, secured nearly 49 percent of the votes, defeating Mamata Banerjee. Adhikari, considered a potential Chief Ministerial candidate for the BJP, demonstrated considerable electoral strength. The TMC has nominated Pabitra Kar, a former BJP member formerly associated with Adhikari, who recently switched to the Trinamool Congress just before the candidate announcements. Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC's national general secretary, has personally taken charge of this constituency, emphasizing its critical importance and making it his personal responsibility to ensure a TMC victory.
Diamond Harbour's Prestige
Situated in the South 24 Parganas district, the Diamond Harbour seat holds considerable strategic importance for the TMC. This constituency forms the core of the Lok Sabha seat represented by Abhishek Banerjee, the party's national general secretary. Banerjee has held the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat since 2014, winning it for three consecutive terms, and his appointment as party general secretary in June 2021 further elevated his standing. Winning this Assembly seat is viewed as a matter of prestige for the ruling party, aiming to consolidate their influence in this key region.
Jadavpur's Shifting Loyalties
Historically a CPI(M) stronghold from 1967 to 2006, Jadavpur saw a significant shift in 2011 when the TMC broke the Left's long-standing dominance. The constituency has since witnessed two more electoral swings, indicating its volatile nature. The upcoming elections are expected to feature a direct confrontation between the TMC's Debabrata Majumdar and the CPI(M)'s Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya. Bhattacharya, a former Mayor of Kolkata and a current Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, brings considerable political experience to the fray, making this a closely watched contest.
Murshidabad's Multi-Cornered Fight
The Murshidabad constituency has a diverse electoral history, with different parties securing victory over the years. Shaoni Singha Roy of the Congress won the seat in both 2011 and 2016. In 2021, the BJP's Gauri Shankar Ghosh emerged victorious. Roy, who now represents the TMC, is anticipated to present a strong challenge to Ghosh in the upcoming polls. The Congress has put forward Siddiqi Ali as their candidate. Murshidabad stands out as one of the few seats in West Bengal where a multi-cornered contest is expected, involving multiple political parties.
Kharagpur Sadar's Intense Duel
An intense electoral battle is anticipated in Kharagpur Sadar between the BJP's Dilip Ghosh and the TMC's Pradeep Sarkar. Ghosh was the victor in 2016, and in 2021, the seat was retained by another BJP candidate, Hiran Chatterjee, who narrowly defeated Sarkar. Dilip Ghosh, who served as the BJP's West Bengal state president from 2015 to 2021, is considered to have a slight advantage due to his extensive political background and previous success in the constituency, making this a key battleground.
Kolkata Port's TMC Bastion
Located on the western outskirts of Kolkata along the Hooghly River, Kolkata Port is characterized by its densely populated neighborhoods and a substantial minority voter base. This constituency has traditionally been a stronghold for the TMC, with Firhad Hakim securing a decisive victory in 2021. Both the BJP and the Congress are reportedly aiming to make significant inroads in this election, setting the stage for a potential shift in the political dynamics of this urban constituency.
Ballygunge's Evolving Landscape
Ballygunge, with approximately 2.75 lakh voters, encompasses a diverse demographic including Urdu-speaking Muslims, Bengali and non-Bengali Hindus, and a small Christian population. This seat has been under TMC's control since 2006, when the party unseated the Left. With the current MLA, Babul Supriyo, having moved to the Rajya Sabha, the TMC faces the task of selecting a new candidate to maintain their hold on this key constituency.
Bhangar's Volatile Politics
The Bhangar constituency in South 24 Parganas district has experienced significant political turmoil, leading to its inclusion under Kolkata Police jurisdiction in 2024 due to persistent violence. In 2021, the seat was secured by the ISF's Nawsad Siddique, who is the sole non-BJP opposition MLA in the Assembly, winning by over 26,000 votes. The recent electoral pact between the ISF and the CPI(M), a party that previously held the seat multiple times, could strengthen Siddique's prospects. Internal rivalries within the TMC, reportedly between local leader Arabul Islam and MLA Saokat Molla, present a considerable challenge for the party's electoral performance here.
Baruipur Paschim's Demographic Edge
Baruipur Paschim has been consistently held by the TMC since 2011, with the incumbent being Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee. The constituency boasts over 2.32 lakh registered voters, with Muslims constituting more than 30 percent of the electorate. In the 2021 elections, the BJP posed a substantial challenge, securing nearly 28 percent of the votes, indicating a growing competitive landscape in this demographically significant seat.
Dinhata's Fierce Contests
Located in the North Bengal district of Cooch Behar, Dinhata is recognized as one of West Bengal's most politically volatile constituencies, marked by intense electoral rivalries between the TMC and the BJP in recent years. Until 2011, it was a Forward Bloc stronghold before the TMC captured it. The 2021 state polls saw a very close contest, with Union Minister Nisith Pramanik of the BJP narrowly defeating senior TMC leader Udayan Guha. Guha later made a comeback by winning the seat after Pramanik resigned to retain his Lok Sabha position, underscoring the seat's unpredictable nature.
Asansol Dakshin's Urban Heart
Asansol Dakshin, situated in the Paschim Bardhaman district, represents the industrial and coal-mining heartland of western West Bengal. Currently, the seat is held by BJP's Agnimitra Paul, who won in 2021. The constituency's electorate comprises industrial workers, traders, and the urban middle class, making it a reflection of the region's economic backbone. The outcome here will be crucial in assessing the BJP's influence in this industrially significant area.
