Elections – Trinamool Congress Announces Candidates With Major Changes Before Polls
Elections The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday released its list of candidates for 291 out of 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, indicating both continuity and a significant reshaping of its electoral lineup ahead of the two-phase voting scheduled for April 23 and April 29. The remaining three seats in Darjeeling have been allocated to its ally, the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha.
Key Contest in Bhabanipur Draws Attention
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will once again contest from Bhabanipur in south Kolkata, a seat long considered her political stronghold. The constituency is expected to witness a closely watched contest, as Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari is also in the fray. Adhikari, who defeated Banerjee in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly elections by a narrow margin, will contest from Nandigram this time as well.
Bhabanipur has gained additional attention due to recent changes in the electoral rolls. A large number of names—around 48,000—have been removed under categories such as absent, shifted, deceased, or duplicate voters. Additionally, approximately 14,000 entries are still under review, pending legal clearance. These developments have added a new dimension to the electoral contest in the constituency.
Party Adopts Aggressive Campaign Tone
While announcing the candidates, Mamata Banerjee adopted a strong political stance, urging voters to support her party. She expressed confidence in securing a higher number of seats and called on people to vote in favour of her party and the state’s interests. Her remarks signalled a determined campaign approach as the elections approach.
Major Changes in Candidate Selection
The newly announced list reflects a substantial reshuffle within the party. Around 70 sitting legislators, accounting for nearly one-third of its current MLAs, have not been renominated. This move is widely seen as an effort to counter anti-incumbency sentiments in several constituencies.
Several well-known figures have been dropped from the list, including former cricketer Manoj Tiwari and other senior leaders such as Vivek Gupta, Sabitri Mitra, Ratna De Nag, Paresh Pal, and Kanchan Mallick. Party insiders indicated that these decisions were based on feedback gathered from grassroots workers and local assessments.
According to sources within the party, retaining the same candidates in certain areas could have affected electoral prospects. The leadership appears to have prioritised winnability and local sentiment while finalising the list.
Return of Key Leaders and New Faces
Despite the large-scale changes, the party has retained several prominent leaders and introduced new candidates in strategic constituencies. Jyotipriya Mallick, a former minister who was previously arrested in connection with an alleged ration distribution case and later granted bail, has been nominated from Habra in North 24 Parganas.
In Uttarpara, Prabhat Banerjee, son of senior advocate and Member of Parliament Kalyan Banerjee, has been fielded. Meanwhile, Pabitra Kar will represent the party in Nandigram, while party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh is set to contest his first election from Beleghata.
Senior leaders Bratya Basu and Sujit Bose have been renominated from Dum Dum and Bidhannagar respectively, signalling continuity in key urban constituencies.
Focus on Representation and Women Candidates
The party has also highlighted its emphasis on inclusive representation. A total of 52 women candidates have been fielded, reflecting a continued focus on gender representation in the electoral process.
This approach aligns with the party’s broader political messaging and social outreach strategy, which has often placed emphasis on women’s participation in governance and public life.
Bhabanipur Remains Crucial Battleground
The Bhabanipur seat remains one of the most closely observed constituencies in the upcoming elections. Although Mamata Banerjee secured a decisive victory there in 2021 with a margin exceeding 58,000 votes, recent political developments suggest a potentially tighter contest.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party gained ground in several municipal wards within the constituency, indicating shifting voter preferences. These trends have prompted the Trinamool leadership to intensify its preparations.
Party sources confirmed that Banerjee has already conducted multiple review meetings with local leaders and booth-level workers to assess readiness and address challenges, particularly in light of the revised voter lists.
With the campaign gaining momentum, the evolving dynamics in Bhabanipur and other key constituencies are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the elections.