Congress to Contest All Seats in West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026

The Indian National Congress has declared its intention to contest all 294 assembly seats in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal elections independently, without forming an alliance with the Left Front. This decision, supported by the national leadership, reflects the desires of local party workers. Amidst a politically charged environment, the ruling Trinamool Congress is expected to face significant competition from both Congress and the BJP. Meanwhile, the BJP is strengthening its election strategies, with party president Nitin Nabin engaging with West Bengal MPs to address organizational matters and concerns. This article delves into the implications of these developments for the upcoming elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 5, 2026, 19:07 IST

Congress Confirms Independent Contest in West Bengal

The Indian National Congress announced on Thursday its decision to contest all 294 assembly seats in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal elections without forming an alliance with the Left Front. During a meeting focused on the elections, Gulam Ahmed Mir, the Congress in-charge for West Bengal, stated that all party leaders were present to discuss their views and strategies for the elections. The consensus among the leaders was clear: this time, the party will fight the elections independently in West Bengal.

Mir emphasized that the decision to contest alone has the backing of the national leadership, reflecting the desires of party workers in the state. He noted that the national leadership stands firmly behind the decision made by the state leadership. This move comes amid a politically charged atmosphere in West Bengal, where the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is expected to face stiff competition from both Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Meanwhile, the BJP is ramping up its election preparations. On Tuesday, party president Nitin Nabin held a strategic meeting with West Bengal MPs at the residence of Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar in New Delhi, where organizational matters and constituency-related issues were discussed. Following the meeting, BJP MP Raju Bista mentioned that Nitin Nabin provided guidance and addressed the concerns of the MPs.

Bista shared with reporters that all West Bengal MPs, including those from the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and newly elected members, had the opportunity to spend over two hours with the national president discussing their issues. He described the meeting as entirely organizational and noted that it was their first interaction, which yielded numerous suggestions and guidance. This is why he believes the BJP stands apart from other parties, as they met in a familial atmosphere where all MPs presented their concerns.