Trinamool Congress has reaffirmed its decision to contest the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections independently, distancing itself from the INDIA bloc. Abhishek Banerjee, a key leader in the party, announced that TMC will not form alliances for the state elections, stating that Bengal’s political landscape is unique and requires a party that prioritises regional interests.
The declaration follows Mamata Banerjee’s earlier statement reinforcing TMC’s stance on fighting the elections alone. The party’s leadership has expressed dissatisfaction with national alliances, arguing that TMC has consistently secured electoral victories on its own in Bengal.
During a public address, Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP’s policies, accusing the party of neglecting Bengal’s development needs. He pointed to the alleged withholding of central funds and other measures that have affected the state’s welfare. He also dismissed the relevance of the INDIA bloc in Bengal’s political contest, asserting that the opposition should focus on strengthening their grassroots presence instead of relying on coalition politics.
Political analysts believe this move could reshape electoral strategies in Bengal. While TMC has a strong voter base, contesting without alliances may impact its broader opposition strategy. The BJP, which has been working to expand its influence in Bengal, is expected to capitalise on any divisions in the opposition ranks.
As the 2026 elections approach, TMC’s decision to go solo signals confidence in its electoral strength but also raises questions about the impact on national opposition unity. The party’s leadership maintains that its priority remains Bengal’s development and protecting its political autonomy.
