TMC Leader Confident of Victory in Upcoming West Bengal Elections
In a recent campaign event, Firhad Hakim, the mayor of Kolkata and a senior TMC leader, expressed unwavering confidence in the party's success in the upcoming West Bengal elections. He emphasized the strong connection between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the local populace, asserting that voters view her as part of their family. Meanwhile, AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi announced his party's alliance with Humayun Kabir's Common People's Advancement Party for the elections. With a total of 182 seats at stake, both parties are gearing up for a competitive electoral battle, showcasing their candidate lists and strategies.
| Mar 23, 2026, 16:36 IST
TMC's Strong Campaign Ahead of Elections
Senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Kolkata's mayor, Firhad Hakim, spearheaded the election campaign on Monday, expressing strong confidence in the ruling party's success. Hakim emphasized the deep bond between the Chief Minister and the local community, stating that voters regard her as a family member. Speaking to reporters, he remarked, "No matter how vigorously the opposition campaigns, we will connect with the public and seek their blessings. Mamata Banerjee is like a daughter of Bhabanipur. Everyone believes she is part of their family. Therefore, when Mamata Banerjee arrives, people feel their own leader has come, and no votes will stray. All votes will go to Mamata Banerjee."
AIMIM's Participation in West Bengal Elections
Regarding the announcement of AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi contesting in West Bengal, Firhad Hakim stated that such matters do not impact Bengal. He described the BJP as a communal party, suggesting that AIMIM shares similar traits. Hakim affirmed their commitment to the people. On Sunday, Owaisi declared that his party would contest the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in alliance with Humayun Kabir's Common People's Advancement Party. In a phone interview, Owaisi mentioned, "I will hold a press conference with Humayun Kabir in Kolkata on March 25." Previously, Humayun Kabir, founder of the Common People's Advancement Party and a former TMC leader, announced that his party would contest 182 seats in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Candidate Announcements and Election Strategy
In a conversation with the media, Kabir revealed that he had already announced 15 candidates. He confirmed that Humayun Kabir would contest from Raninagar while also holding another job. Additionally, another businessman named Humayun Kabir will run from Bhagwangola. Manisha Pathak Pandey is set to contest from one of the 64 seats in Murshidabad. With these three candidates added to the previously announced 15, they have now released a list of 18 candidates. He further stated that his party, in collaboration with their alliance, will contest 182 seats, while AIMIM will participate in approximately 8 seats.