Mamata Banerjee's Bold Plan for 2026 Elections

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has set a bold target for the 2026 assembly elections, aiming for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to secure over 215 seats in the 294-member assembly. The Chief Minister expressed her determination during a party meeting, emphasizing the need to significantly decrease the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) presence in the state. In the 2021 assembly elections, the BJP had captured 77 seats, while the TMC had secured a robust majority with 213 seats. Mamata Banerjee's remarks also revisited the BJP's past election slogans and predictions, which had not materialized. She recalled, "In the 2021 assembly polls, BJP leaders declared '200 paar,' but they were defeated. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, their slogan was '400 paar,' yet they fell short of securing a majority." The TMC leader further urged supporters to ensure that BJP candidates suffer substantial losses, even losing their deposits. Her appeal was echoed by TMC's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, who called on party workers to rally behind the Chief Minister for a decisive victory. "The fight to secure Bengal's future has begun. Our goal is a two-thirds majority in the 2026 elections," he stated, urging support for Mamata Banerjee's fourth consecutive term as Chief Minister. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the TMC is actively working to consolidate its support base, positioning itself to counter the BJP's influence in West Bengal.