Are Most Bengal Congress District Units Opposing Seat-Sharing for the 2026 Assembly Polls?
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Synopsis
As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, a significant portion of Congress district leaders in West Bengal are firmly against any seat-sharing arrangements with other parties. This article delves into the party's stance, insider opinions, and the implications for upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Majority Opposition: Most district leaders oppose seat-sharing.
- Independence Focus: The party aims to contest independently.
- No Support for Trinamool: No endorsement for collaboration with Trinamool Congress.
- Potential with CPI(M): Some leaders still consider CPI(M) collaboration.
- Leadership Changes: Shift in dynamics post-Yechury and Chowdhury.
Kolkata, Jan 14 (NationPress) A considerable number of Congress district leaders in West Bengal have voiced their opposition to any form of seat-sharing with other parties for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, according to sources within the party on Wednesday.
Recent feedback collected by the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) indicates that a significant majority of district leaderships advocate for the party to independently participate in the next Assembly polls, regardless of the outcome, instead of relying on alliances to win a limited number of seats.
Specifically, district leaders were questioned about potential seat-sharing with the CPI(M)-led Left Front, the Trinamool Congress, the All India Secular Front (AISF), and the Janata Unnayan Party initiated by suspended Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir.
Insiders revealed that only representatives from two districts supported maintaining the partnership with the CPI(M)-led Left Front, which originated during the 2016 Assembly elections and persisted through the Lok Sabha elections.
However, there was no endorsement from district leaders for any collaboration with the Trinamool Congress for the forthcoming Assembly elections, sources revealed.
Notably, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee have already dismissed any collaboration with Congress.
Meanwhile, despite some hesitations from other Left Front allies, CPI(M) leadership in West Bengal has left the possibility of a seat-sharing arrangement with Congress open.
“The ultimate decision regarding any seat-sharing arrangement will be made by the party high command or the All India Congress Committee (AICC). The state leadership has merely gathered feedback from the districts. The WBPCC will now report this to the AICC,” a WBPCC insider explained.
Political analysts have noted that establishing a seamless seat-sharing arrangement for the 2026 Assembly elections has seemed challenging from the outset.
“The two principal architects of the Left Front-Congress partnership since 2016 were the late former CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and former West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. With Yechury’s passing, there is no prominent leader in the CPI(M) central leadership who can effectively advocate for such an arrangement. Similarly, in Congress, following Chowdhury’s departure from significant decision-making roles, the dynamics have shifted,” remarked a political observer from the city.
Point of View
The reluctance of Congress district units in West Bengal to pursue alliances emphasizes the party's desire for independence in the upcoming elections. This decision reflects a broader trend of self-reliance within political parties, aiming to strengthen their individual identities amidst a complex electoral landscape.
NationPress
14/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current stance of Bengal Congress on seat-sharing?
The majority of Bengal Congress district leaders are against any seat-sharing arrangements with other parties for the 2026 Assembly elections.
Which parties were considered for seat-sharing by Congress?
Congress considered potential seat-sharing with the CPI(M)-led Left Front, Trinamool Congress, All India Secular Front, and the Janata Unnayan Party.
Who are the prominent figures within the CPI(M)?
The late Sitaram Yechury was a key figure in the CPI(M), and his passing has left a leadership vacuum regarding alliance discussions.
What is the role of the All India Congress Committee (AICC)?
The AICC will make the final decision regarding any seat-sharing arrangements based on the feedback collected from state leadership.
Are there any leaders supporting a partnership with Trinamool Congress?
No district leaders have expressed support for any collaboration with Trinamool Congress for the upcoming elections.
