Will Trinamool Resolve the ‘Old vs Young’ Debate Before Next Assembly Elections?
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Synopsis
As Trinamool Congress gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, they are crafting a candidate list that aims to balance experience and youthful energy, potentially resolving the ongoing 'old vs young' debate within the party.
Key Takeaways
- Trinamool Congress is preparing for the Assembly elections in 2026.
- A mix of youth and experienced leaders is being considered for candidacy.
- Mamata Banerjee remains the pivotal figure in the party.
- The debate on old vs young reflects internal dynamics within TMC.
- Reorganization aims to combat anti-incumbency and strengthen party unity.
New Delhi, Nov 13 (NationPress) The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of West Bengal has reportedly started preparing a list of potential candidates well in advance of the upcoming Assembly elections anticipated in the early part of 2026. This list is set to feature significant changes, blending the experience of both “old and new” faces.
Led by party General Secretary and three-time MP from Diamond Harbour, Abhishek Banerjee, the candidate list is expected to include a range of youthful leaders alongside a select few veteran politicians, with a proposed age limit of around 65 years.
Notably, Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Chairperson and Chief Minister, remains unaffected by this age criterion, as she has asserted that her candidacy will be prominent across all 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal.
The 70-year-old dynamic leader continues to be the face of the party, serving as the unifying force among its various factions. As customary, the final candidate list will be reviewed and approved by her.
The “old vs new” argument escalated recently with dissent from some members against seasoned politicians such as Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Sougata Ray, and Kalyan Banerjee prior to last year's Lok Sabha elections.
Despite the protests, Mamata stood by her candidate selections, and all of them successfully returned to Parliament. The initial vocal opposition has since diminished.
In the current West Bengal Assembly, over a quarter of TMC's MLAs are 70 years or older.
However, many of them remain politically active, prompting some leaders to suggest that this could have influenced Abhishek to reconsider his previous stance on engaging leaders over 65 in electoral campaigns.
Supporters of Abhishek note that he has praised several veteran figures for their commitment and engagement, as covered in local media.
Among these leaders is Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, an 81-year-old state minister and trade union activist representing the Khardaha Assembly seat. Chattopadhyay has a background in boxing and has even completed a basic mountaineering course.
Another notable figure is Ashok Kumar Deb, a 76-year-old representative from the Budge Budge Assembly constituency, having won six consecutive elections since 1996.
These examples have led Abhishek to reconsider his firm stance on not including older leaders in the electoral fray.
Mamata's trust and appreciation for her long-time allies have also nudged the younger leader towards a balanced approach combining youth and experience.
However, followers assert that the majority of candidates will likely be under 60.
While the “young vs old” debate continues, a pragmatic mix of candidates may emerge to effectively counter the growing influence of the state’s primary opposition party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Earlier, younger leaders like Kunal Ghosh expressed concerns about comments from veteran members like Sudip and Subrata Bakshi that seemed to position Abhishek's leadership against Mamata's.
Meanwhile, Abhishek has regained momentum since Mamata restructured the party leadership, observing the internal discussions quietly for the most part.
As the state prepares for another election cycle this year, he has taken on a more visible role in reorganizing the party down to the district level.
This restructuring effort is viewed as a strategy to fortify the party against anti-incumbency sentiments after more than 14 years in power, alongside addressing issues of corruption, indiscipline, and internal conflicts.
Despite initiating these changes, he has maintained a low profile regarding administrative matters, sharing his insights primarily through social media.
Point of View
This ongoing reshaping of Trinamool Congress reflects the party's attempt to adapt to new political challenges while honoring its roots. It highlights an important balance between experience and innovation, ensuring that all voices within the party are considered as they head into a critical election year.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for candidates in TMC?
The proposed age limit for candidates in the TMC is around 65 years, although this may include exceptions based on experience and contributions.
Who are the notable older leaders in TMC?
Notable older leaders include Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, aged 81, and Ashok Kumar Deb, aged 76, both of whom have made significant contributions to the party.
What is the significance of the 'old vs young' debate?
The 'old vs young' debate signifies the struggle within the TMC to balance experienced leadership with the need for new energy, especially as they prepare for critical elections.
How has Abhishek Banerjee's role evolved?
Abhishek Banerjee has taken a more visible role in the party's restructuring efforts, focusing on rejuvenating the party's leadership as they approach the elections.
What are the challenges TMC faces in the upcoming elections?
The TMC faces challenges of anti-incumbency sentiment, allegations of corruption, and competition from the opposition party, BJP, which seeks to capitalize on any weaknesses.
