TMC releases candidate list; Mamata targets BJP, calls polls a “fight for Bengal’s existence”
By NIRENDRA DEV
Kolkata, March 17, 2026 —West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced that she will contest the upcoming Assembly elections from Bhawanipore, framing the contest as a decisive battle for Bengal’s identity.
Releasing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate list, Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the BJP, declaring, “Bengal will win. ‘Dilli ka laddu’ will not win.” She described the election as a “fight for the existence of West Bengal,” asserting that while political power may be contested, “the power of the people cannot be taken away.”
In an emotional appeal, Banerjee urged non-BJP parties and voters to “vote for Bangla” and back the TMC’s slogan of “Maa, Mati, Manush.” Her remarks, at times, reflected visible political urgency as she accused the BJP of misusing central agencies and attempting to destabilise the state.
The TMC has fielded key leaders across constituencies, including Firhad Hakim from Kolkata Port, Kunal Ghosh from Beleghata, and Jyotipriyo Mallick from Habra. Among other prominent candidates, Chandrima Bhattacharya will contest from Dum Dum Uttar, Madan Mitra from Kamarhati, and Shashi Panja from Shyampukur.
Banerjee also took aim at the Election Commission, alleging bias, even as the poll body ordered a major administrative reshuffle involving 19 IPS officers in the state. The move is part of efforts to ensure a free and fair election but has drawn criticism from the ruling party.
The TMC’s candidate list reflects a focus on social representation, with 52 women, 95 candidates from SC/ST communities, and 47 from minority groups.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand said the force is preparing extensively to ensure “free, fair and peaceful” elections, with logistics and coordination measures already underway.
As campaigning gathers pace, the political battle in Bengal is set to intensify, with Bhawanipore emerging as a key constituency in a high-stakes contest.
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