Mamata Banerjee Challenges Election Results in Bhawanipur Seat

Mamata Banerjee has taken legal action against the election results for the Bhawanipur seat, where she lost to Shuvendu Adhikari. Meanwhile, support for her candidacy in upcoming elections is being voiced by Humayun Kabir, while the BJP has stated it will not interfere in TMC's internal disputes. This unfolding political drama highlights the tensions within West Bengal's political landscape as various factions position themselves ahead of future elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 16, 2026, 15:59 IST

Mamata Banerjee's Legal Move

Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court contesting the election results for the Bhawanipur seat, where she faced defeat against Shuvendu Adhikari. In a related development, MLA Ritabrata Banerjee has claimed the position of Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly with the backing of 58 legislators. Additionally, MP Kakoli Ghosh has expressed her intention to break away and support the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with the support of 19 rebel MPs.

Support for Mamata Banerjee

Humayun Kabir, the president of the AJUP, stated on Tuesday that if Mamata Banerjee decides to contest from the Rezinagar assembly seat or the Bashirhat Lok Sabha seat, he will support her. A by-election is necessary for the Rezinagar assembly seat since the current MLA, Humayun Kabir, won two seats in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections and must vacate one. Kabir mentioned, "She (Mamata) needs to decide if she wants to run. If she requires my support, I will back her. If she contests from Rezinagar, I will do everything possible to ensure her victory. If she runs from Bashirhat and seeks my support, I will not field any candidate against her." A by-election is also required for the Bashirhat Lok Sabha seat due to the passing of current MP Haji Sheikh Noorul Islam.

BJP's Stance on TMC's Internal Conflicts

BJP MP Rahul Sinha declared on Tuesday that his party will not get involved in the internal disputes of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He emphasized that individuals found guilty in corruption cases should face punishment, regardless of their position. Sinha stated, "We will not participate in TMC's conflicts. They should resolve their internal issues themselves." Referring to TMC's Abhishek Banerjee, the BJP MP alleged that he is linked to several scams and asserted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) must have uncovered some evidence during their investigation. He added, "Those who have committed such acts, regardless of their high positions, should be punished."