Kolkata, Feb 27 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has set a bold target for the 2026 state assembly elections, aiming to surpass her 2021 tally and secure over 215 seats out of 294. Addressing an organisational meeting of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Banerjee stressed the need for a decisive victory, ensuring a fourth consecutive term for her party while significantly reducing the BJP's presence in the state.
Banerjee echoed TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee’s call to push beyond the 214 seats won in 2021. "I agree with Abhishek that we should aim for at least one more seat than our last tally. Our goal is to secure 215 seats or more while ensuring that BJP, CPIM, and Congress candidates struggle to retain their deposits," she declared.
TMC’s Strategy and BJP’s Counterattack
With the BJP winning 77 seats in 2021, Banerjee remains confident that her party can further diminish their numbers. "In 2021, they claimed ‘200 paar’ but faced defeat. In 2024, they aim for ‘400 paar’ in the Lok Sabha polls but will fail again. We will achieve a two-thirds majority, and BJP candidates will lose their deposits," she asserted.
Reacting to her statement, BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya claimed Banerjee's remarks stem from fear of losing. "She knows she is losing in 2026, which is why she is trying to energize TMC workers," Bhattacharya remarked. He further accused the TMC of electoral malpractice, alleging that the party resorts to vote rigging and violence.
Abhishek Banerjee Calls for TMC’s Unity and Discipline
At the same meeting, Abhishek Banerjee urged party workers to ensure a resounding victory for the TMC. "The battle for Bengal’s future has begun. We must work to secure a two-thirds majority and make Mamata Banerjee Chief Minister for a fourth term," he stated. He also criticised the BJP for relying on central investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Income Tax Department.
"The BJP has ED-CBI-Income Tax trio backing them, but they lack the courage to fight on the ground. We will dismantle their 'chakravyuh' as we did before," he said, referencing a strategic military formation from the Mahabharata.
BJP’s Future and TMC’s Internal Conflicts
Banerjee predicted a significant downfall for the BJP in the coming years. "They failed to counter the BJP in Maharashtra and Delhi. But in Bengal, we will take them head-on. By 2027-2029, the BJP will be finished," she proclaimed.
Her speech also addressed internal tensions within the TMC, particularly regarding the role of political consultancy firm I-PAC. Responding to criticism from senior leader Madan Mitra, Banerjee clarified that Prashant Kishor (PK) is no longer associated with I-PAC. "PK has moved on and even started another party. This is a new team. Cooperation is essential. Stop unnecessary comments about them," she said.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Since unseating the 34-year Left Front rule in 2011, TMC has maintained its dominance in Bengal politics. Winning 211 seats in 2016 and 213 in 2021, the party now aims to consolidate its position further. As the 2026 elections approach, Mamata Banerjee’s aggressive push for 215+ seats signals an intense political battle ahead, with the BJP determined to challenge her hold over the state.
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