Will the Trinamool Congress Dominate the Bengal RS Polls?
Synopsis
The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in West Bengal promise a significant victory for the Trinamool Congress, poised to secure four out of five seats. Meanwhile, the BJP is expected to claim only one. With key candidates in the fray and critical dates approaching, this election is set to shape the political landscape in the state.
Key Takeaways
Trinamool Congress aims for a dominant win in West Bengal .
Only one seat is expected to be secured by the BJP .
Key candidates from both parties are yet to be officially announced.
The election process involves several critical dates leading up to the voting.
This election holds significant implications for the state’s political future.
Kolkata, Feb 18 (NationPress) In the upcoming elections on March 16 for the five Rajya Sabha seats in West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress is poised to secure a significant victory by winning four seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to capture just one, based on the current strength of both parties in the state Assembly.
Among the five seats, three will become available due to the conclusion of the terms of existing Trinamool members, specifically Subrata Bakshi, Ritabrata Banerjee, and Saket Gokhale.
The fourth seat is vacated by former Trinamool MP, Mausam Benazir Noor, who recently left the Rajya Sabha to join the Congress. Given the numerical strength of the Trinamool party in the West Bengal Congress, it is expected that they will easily elect candidates for these four seats.
Additionally, the term of CPI-M Rajya Sabha member and prominent advocate Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya is also nearing its end. As the CPI-M currently has no representation in the Assembly, the BJP is likely to secure its one candidate from that seat without difficulty.
While Trinamool has not yet revealed its candidate choices for the four seats, the BJP is deliberating on three potential names: former actress-turned-politician and past MP Locket Chatterjee, megastar Mithun Chakraborty—a former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member—and current BJP legislator from Balurghat in South Dinajpur, and ex-Chief Economic Advisor to the Union government, Dr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri, as per insights from the BJP’s state committee.
According to a statement from the Election Commission, notifications for the elections covering 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 19 states, including five from West Bengal, will be released on February 26.
The deadline for submitting nominations is set for March 5, with scrutiny of these nominations occurring on March 6. The last day for candidates to withdraw will be March 9, and polling will take place on March 16, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by vote counting on the same day.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of these elections in shaping West Bengal's political future. The anticipated dominance of the Trinamool Congress reflects its continued strength in the region, while the BJP's single seat highlights the challenges it faces. This event will be closely monitored, as it impacts not just local politics but also national dynamics.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Rajya Sabha elections in West Bengal?
The elections for the Rajya Sabha seats in West Bengal will be held on March 16.
How many seats does Trinamool Congress expect to win?
The Trinamool Congress is expected to comfortably win four out of the five seats.
Who are the potential candidates for the BJP?
Some of the potential candidates from the BJP include Locket Chatterjee, Mithun Chakraborty, and Dr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri.
What are the important dates for the election process?
Key dates include: Notification on February 26, nominations by March 5, scrutiny on March 6, withdrawal by March 9, and polling on March 16.
What is the significance of these elections?
These elections are crucial as they reflect the political dynamics in West Bengal and may influence future governance and policies.
