What Does the Future Hold for the Congress-Left Front Alliance in the 2026 Bengal Elections?
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Synopsis
As the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections approach, uncertainty surrounds the Congress-Left Front alliance. With non-CPI(M) allies making significant demands for seat distribution, the political landscape is shifting. Will Congress and the Left Front manage to strike a deal, or will they go their separate ways in the upcoming polls? Discover the latest developments.
Key Takeaways
- Uncertainty surrounds the Congress-Left Front alliance.
- Seat-sharing demands from non-CPI(M) allies complicate negotiations.
- Forward Bloc and RSP insist on specific seat numbers.
- The total assembly seats in West Bengal is 294.
- The Congress-Left collaboration has fluctuated since 2016.
Kolkata, Sep 6 (NationPress) New doubts are surfacing regarding the potential alliance between Congress and the Left Front for the upcoming 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, with non-CPI(M) allies within the Front voicing significant demands over seat allocation.
A recent meeting involving various Left Front partners was convened to explore the feasibility of a seat-sharing arrangement with Congress for the 2026 Assembly elections. During this discussion, two of the four primary allies in the Left Front -- the All India Forward Bloc and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) -- expressed strong reservations about forming a seat-sharing deal with Congress.
According to an insider from CPI(M) who attended the meeting, the Forward Bloc has insisted on being allocated 34 seats, the same number they contested in 1977, when the CPI(M)-led Left Front first gained power in West Bengal, a position they maintained for 34 years until 2011.
Additionally, the RSP leadership has requested 23 seats for their candidacy in 2026.
Another ally, CPI, adopted a more conciliatory stance, indicating that while they do not oppose a seat-sharing agreement with Congress in 2026, they expect to receive a number of seats that exceeds that of the other two allies, Forward Bloc and RSP, while not being less than that allocated to CPI(M).
The West Bengal assembly comprises a total of 294 seats.
While the leaders of the Left Front allies have refrained from disclosing further details from the meeting, CPI(M) veteran and Left Front Chairman in West Bengal, Biman Bose, noted that further discussions will be necessary to resolve the seat-sharing arrangement with Congress.
Interestingly, the influential faction within the West Bengal Congress does not appear enthusiastic about pursuing a seat-sharing deal with the Left Front for 2026.
"The prevailing sentiment among Congress workers in West Bengal is to contest independently in 2026. However, the ultimate decision rests with the AICC high command," stated the state Congress President in West Bengal, Suvankar Sarkar.
The collaboration between Congress and the Left Front regarding seat-sharing first emerged during the 2016 state assembly elections. This partnership persisted through the 2021 state elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. However, there was no such agreement in place during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Point of View
The evolving dynamics between Congress and the Left Front in West Bengal reflect broader trends in Indian politics. As parties navigate their alliances, the emphasis on seat distribution highlights the intricate balance of power that can influence electoral outcomes. It is crucial for these parties to consider the aspirations of their constituencies while also staying committed to a collaborative approach that prioritizes shared goals. This will ultimately determine their success in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Congress-Left Front alliance in West Bengal?
The alliance is facing significant uncertainty as non-CPI(M) allies demand particular seat allocations ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
How many seats are being contested by the Forward Bloc and RSP?
The Forward Bloc is demanding 34 seats, while the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) is requesting 23 seats for the upcoming elections.
What is the total number of seats in the West Bengal assembly?
The West Bengal assembly consists of a total of 294 seats.
What was the outcome of previous seat-sharing agreements?
Seat-sharing agreements between Congress and the Left Front have been in place since the 2016 state assembly elections, continuing through the 2021 state polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Is the Congress party interested in forming an alliance for 2026?
There is a prevailing sentiment among Congress workers in West Bengal to contest independently in 2026, although the final decision will be made by the AICC high command.
