Mamata Banerjee Announces Trinamool's Solo Bid for 2026 Bengal Elections
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Synopsis
Mamata Banerjee confirmed that Trinamool Congress will contest the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections independently, rejecting alliances with Congress. During a recent meeting, she emphasized the party's resolve to secure a two-thirds majority and addressed issues regarding public statements made by party members.
Key Takeaways
- Trinamool Congress to contest 2026 elections alone.
- No alliance with Congress or other parties.
- Mamata Banerjee aims for a two-thirds majority.
- Criticism of Congress's performance in Delhi Assembly polls.
- Emphasis on party unity and caution against public remarks.
Kolkata, Feb 10 (NationPress) - West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee informed party legislators on Monday that the Trinamool Congress will participate independently in the Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for 2026, without any alliances, including with Congress.
During a meeting with the party's legislative members in the West Bengal Assembly ahead of the budget session, she stated, "Congress holds no significance in West Bengal, making any alliance impossible. Trinamool Congress will contest independently and is set to reclaim the government for a fourth consecutive term in 2026 with a two-thirds majority," as reported by a senior cabinet member.
The cabinet member noted that during the meeting, the Chief Minister criticized Congress for its role in the recent Delhi Assembly polls, where the BJP won 48 out of 70 seats.
"In Delhi, Congress failed to support the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Similarly, AAP did not assist Congress in Haryana. Consequently, BJP emerged victorious in both regions. Had they united, the opposition's fate could have been different," the cabinet member relayed, quoting Mamata Banerjee.
Additionally, the Chief Minister advised caution to some party legislators whose public remarks had caused significant embarrassment to party leadership.
According to the cabinet member, she emphasized that repeated mistakes could not be overlooked. A recent comment by legislator Madan Mitra about monetary exchanges for district committee memberships embarrassed the leadership.
Though Mitra has since apologized to the party's state president, Subrata Bakshi, the leadership believes it's crucial to advise members to exercise discretion in their public statements.
The Chief Minister also warned against infighting reported between factions within the party, particularly in the districts. "She specifically cautioned party legislators from Malda and West Burdwan," shared a legislator present at the meeting.
