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Congress Revamps Bengal Candidate List, Replaces 7 for Phase 2 Polls

The Indian National Congress has released its second list of candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, replacing seven nominees from its initial list. Key candidates include Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur and recent joiner Mausam Noor from Malatipur. The elections for the 294-seat assembly will be conducted in two phases, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. Following a complete shutout in the 2021 polls, the Congress aims to re-enter the fray and create a triangular contest against the TMC and BJP.

Key Points: Congress Replaces 7 Candidates for West Bengal Phase 2 Polls

  • 7 candidates replaced in second list
  • Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to contest from Baharampur
  • Polling in two phases for 294 seats
  • Congress seeks comeback after 2021 wipeout
2 min read

West Bengal: Congress replaces 7 candidates for second phase of Assembly polls

Congress releases second candidate list for West Bengal Assembly elections, replacing seven nominees. Key contests include Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

"Congress is aiming to turn the contest... into a triangular fight. - Report"

Kolkata, April 8

Congress on Wednesday released its second list of eight candidates for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, replacing seven candidates named in the first list.

In its list of candidates for eight constituencies for the second phase of West Bengal polls, Congress named Tahir SK from Nakashipara seat, replacing Golam Kibria Mandal; Asif Khan replaced Rahidul Mandal on Chapra seat, Sunayana Biswar replaced Barnali Naskar on Minakhan (SC) seat, Chand Sarkar in place of Kaushik Baidya in Mandibazar (SC), and Pampa Malik replaced Anik Saha in Raina (SC).

Abu Bakkar replaced Md Mofirrul Kassem from Ketugram, and Tapas Baral came in place of Nisha Baral on the Ausgram (SC) seat. Pranab Bhattacharya was named as the party candidate from Habra.

Earlier, on March 29, the Congress released the list of candidates in 284 constituencies, including seven mentioned in the second list for the Assembly elections in West Bengal.

The party has nominated Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur, Pradip Prasad from Bhabanipur, while Mausam Noor, who recently joined the Congress, will contest from Malatipur.

The list also includes Madhap Rai from Darjeeling, Abdul Hannan from Sujapur, Susmita Biswas from Dum Dum, Gautam Bhattacharya from Diamond Harbour, Souvik Mukherjee from Asansol Dakshin and Prasenjit Puitandi from Asansol Uttar.

The polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will be held in two phases. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), the first phase covers 152 Assembly constituencies, while the second phase includes 142 seats.

In the 2021 Assembly polls, the Congress could not manage to open its account in the seat tally. After a horrendous performance in the last elections, Congress is aiming to turn the contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) into a triangular fight.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Good to see some fresh names, especially women like Sunayana Biswar and Pampa Malik getting tickets. But honestly, after getting zero seats last time, is changing candidates enough? They need to connect with Bengal's youth on issues like jobs, not just play musical chairs with tickets. 🤔
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Suresh O
Fielding Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur makes sense, he's their strongest leader there. But in many seats, they seem to be repeating old formulas. The real test is whether they can offer a credible alternative to TMC's welfare and BJP's nationalism in Bengal.
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Ananya R
Respectfully, I have to criticize the timing. Releasing lists in phases and replacing so many candidates so close to the polls creates confusion among party workers on the ground. It looks reactive, not strategic. Voters want stability and a clear plan.
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David E
Watching from outside, it's fascinating. West Bengal politics is incredibly complex. Congress trying to revive itself in a state where it was once dominant. The candidate selection seems to balance various communities. Hope the election is free and fair!
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Kavya N
The inclusion of Mausam Noor who recently joined is a smart move. She has her own base. But ultimately, in a polarized TMC vs BJP environment, Congress needs to convince people their vote won't be wasted. All the best to all candidates! 🙏

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