NDA Criticizes Bengal CM's Solo Strategy for 2026 Elections, Trinamool Supports the Stance
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Synopsis
The political atmosphere in West Bengal has escalated as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declares that the Trinamool Congress will contest the 2026 state Assembly elections independently, dismissing a coalition with Congress. The NDA has responded, highlighting potential overconfidence and divides within the opposition INDIA Bloc.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee states TMC will contest 2026 elections alone.
- NDA views Banerjee's announcement as a sign of overconfidence.
- Trinamool leaders remain steadfast in their decision.
- Critics question Banerjee's electoral viability.
- Political unity within the opposition is in doubt.
Kolkata, Feb 11 (NationPress) The political climate in West Bengal has intensified following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's announcement that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will participate in the 2026 state Assembly elections independently, dismissing any potential collaboration with the Congress. During a gathering with Trinamool legislators prior to the Assembly's budget session on Monday, Banerjee reportedly asserted that the Congress holds no political relevance in West Bengal, deeming an alliance with them pointless.
Confident in achieving a fourth consecutive term, she proclaimed that the Trinamool is fully capable of forming the government in 2026 on its own.
The NDA quickly capitalized on her comments, labeling them a sign of “overconfidence” and further proof of divisions within the opposition INDIA Bloc.
In remarks to IANS in Delhi, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated that Banerjee's claims highlight the fragility of the opposition alliance, which he believes was only formed for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and has since disintegrated.
“It appears that the INDIA Bloc has completely unraveled, and Mamata Banerjee's statement affirms that Congress has no standing in West Bengal. Likewise, the AAP is also preparing to contest against Congress. The 2026 West Bengal elections will be quite manageable for us,” he added.
West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul criticized Banerjee, questioning whether she would replicate her success in Bengal after failing in Goa, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
“You attempt to secure votes in West Bengal by enticing our women with schemes like Lakshmi Bhandar, promising Rs 1000. You even offered Rs 5000 to women in Goa, yet they did not vote for you. Therefore, do not be overly confident,” she remarked to reporters.
Drawing a comparison to the AAP's recent defeat in Delhi, Paul stated that just as Kejriwal once claimed that PM Modi wouldn’t enter Delhi, he was proven wrong; Banerjee's overconfidence would similarly face a setback.
She further accused the Chief Minister of “deceiving and oppressing” the populace of West Bengal, asserting that repercussions were imminent.
Speaking to IANS in Mumbai, Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande also criticized the INDIA Bloc, deeming it an “opportunistic alliance” of “ideologically conflicting” factions.
“They may have united for specific elections out of political convenience, but fundamentally, they were never genuinely cohesive. Their fate will mirror those who unite solely for political gain,” she commented.
Despite the backlash, Trinamool leaders rallied behind Banerjee's decision, insisting that the party is capable of winning elections without allies.
In statements to reporters, West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja reaffirmed that the Trinamool is fully equipped for the 2026 elections and can secure victory independently.
“Our party chairperson, Mamata Banerjee, indicated yesterday that here in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress and its organization are ready for the elections. Trinamool Congress can proceed alone and win the election in 2026. Every political front can focus on itself, while Trinamool Congress will operate independently this time,” she stated.
MLA Humayun Kabir, recalling Banerjee's leadership that led the party to a resounding victory in 2021, told IANS, “In 2021, Didi also contested the election independently, and the outcome was favorable -- she secured 213 seats, which have now grown to 226-227. Didi is the sole decision-maker in TMC. Based on this, in the 2026 elections, TMC will easily regain power with a two-thirds majority.”
Sources suggest that Banerjee holds Congress accountable for the Opposition's recent electoral defeats, particularly in Delhi and Haryana, where the BJP achieved sweeping victories.
Insiders report that she told party members that Congress failed to support AAP in Delhi, while AAP did not assist Congress in Haryana, facilitating the BJP victories in both states. She reiterated that Congress has no influence in West Bengal and that Trinamool is sufficiently strong to confront its opponents.
With Mamata Banerjee clearly stating that Trinamool will independently participate in 2026, the political landscape in West Bengal is poised for a significant confrontation.
