Left Front of West Bengal Reveals First 192 Candidates for 2026 Assembly Elections
Synopsis
The Left Front, led by CPI(M), announces its first batch of 192 candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, highlighting key figures and significant stories behind the selections.
Key Takeaways
The Left Front has announced 192 candidates for the upcoming elections.
Among the candidates, only 20 are women.
Key figures include Sabina Yasmin and Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya.
Two-phase elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29.
The party aims to blend experienced politicians with new candidates.
Kolkata, March 16 (NationPress) The Left Front, spearheaded by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), unveiled its initial roster of candidates for the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, set for next month.
During a press conference on Monday afternoon, veteran CPI-M leader and West Bengal Left Front chairman Biman Bose disclosed the names of candidates for 192 Assembly seats. West Bengal comprises a total of 294 constituencies.
Among the 192 candidates listed, only 20 are women, while the rest are male candidates, predominantly from the CPI-M, the leading party within the coalition.
This candidate list showcases a blend of seasoned politicians and newcomers.
One noteworthy candidate is Sabina Yasmin, the mother of Tamanna Khatun, who tragically lost her life in a bomb attack reportedly orchestrated by members of the ruling Trinamool Congress on June 23, 2025, in Kaliganj, Nadia district.
During a victory rally for the Trinamool Congress, crude bombs were launched at her home following the success of their candidate Alifa Ahmed in the Kaliganj Assembly by-election.
Another significant figure in the lineup is Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, a former Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate, who has also served as the Mayor of Kolkata. He is contesting in the Jadavpur constituency, located in the South 24 Parganas district.
As anticipated, prominent CPI-M Politburo member and state secretary Md Salim, along with former leader of Left legislative parties Sujan Chakraborty, will not be running in this election cycle. Instead, they plan to campaign for other candidates across the state.
Moreover, the national face of the CPI-M's student wing, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Dipshita Dhar, will be contesting from the Dum Dum (Uttar) Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas.
Furthermore, the party is representing tribal interests with Debalina Hembram, a former legislator and minister in the previous Left Front government, who is contesting from the Ranibandh constituency in Bankura district.
The two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and April 29. The first phase will cover 152 constituencies, while the second phase will include 142 constituencies.
Point of View
Aiming to regain influence in West Bengal's political arena. As the election approaches, the stories behind the candidates will likely resonate with voters, potentially shaping the outcome of these pivotal elections.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who announced the candidate list for the Left Front?
The candidate list was announced by Biman Bose, the chairman of the West Bengal Left Front.
How many constituencies are there in West Bengal?
West Bengal has a total of 294 constituencies.
When are the Assembly elections scheduled?
The two-phase Assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29.
What is significant about Sabina Yasmin's candidacy?
Sabina Yasmin is the mother of Tamanna Khatun, who was killed in a bomb attack, making her candidacy a poignant symbol in this election.
Are any women running as candidates?
Yes, out of the 192 candidates announced, 20 are women.
