NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Congress Party is strategically positioning itself for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections by forming critical organizational committees. Mallikarjun Kharge has approved new panels featuring prominent state leaders, signaling a potential shift in political alignments. The party remains uncertain about its future alliance strategy, with speculation around potential collaboration with Trinamool Congress. These developments come as Mamata Banerjee's party seeks a fourth consecutive term in the state legislature.

Key Points: Kharge Reshapes Bengal Congress Ahead of 2026 Polls

  • Kharge constitutes Political Affairs and Election Committees for West Bengal
  • Ghulam Ahmad Mir and prominent leaders included in new panels
  • Uncertainty persists over potential alliance with Trinamool Congress
  • Elections expected in March-April 2026 targeting 294 Assembly seats
2 min read

Bengal: Kharge gives nod to constitute key party panels ahead of 2026 Assembly polls

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge approves key party panels in West Bengal, signaling strategic preparations for upcoming Assembly elections

Bengal: Kharge gives nod to constitute key party panels ahead of 2026 Assembly polls
"Whether at the national level or the state level, the final decision of alliance or seat-sharing agreement ultimately rests with the AICC - Suvankar Sarkar, Bengal Congress President"

Kolkata, Aug 13

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday approved the constitution of Political Affairs Committee, Pradesh Election Committee and Executive Committee for West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC). The party also appointed officer bearers and district presidents for the state Congress unit.

Former Jammu and Kashmir minister and senior Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir has been made a member in the newly-constituted Political Affairs Committee and Election Committee for West Bengal.

Prominent Bengal Congress leaders including current state president Subhankar Sarkar, former party MP and state president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former Rajya Sabha MP Pradeep Bhattacharjee, senior leaders Deepa Das Munshi, Isha Khan Chowdhury and other leaders have been included in both the committees.

The formation of political affairs committee and election committee assume significance ahead of 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.

The development comes amidst uncertainty within the West Bengal Congress over its potential alliance or seat-sharing strategy for the 2026 Assembly elections, amid clear signs that the party's central leadership -- including Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi -- is drawing closer to the Trinamool Congress.

The key question troubling state Congress leaders is whether the party will continue its seat-sharing arrangement with the CPI(M)-led Left Front -- already going on since 2016 -- or switch to a new partnership with the Trinamool Congress for the 2026 polls.

Officially, the state Congress President in West Bengal, Suvankar Sarkar, has said that whether at the national level or the state level, the final decision of alliance or seat-sharing agreement ultimately rests with the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

Elections in West Bengal are expected to be held next year in March-April to elect all 294 members of the state Assembly.

The ruling Trinamool Congress is eyeing a comeback to power for the fourth consecutive time.

Party supremo Mamata Banerjee was sworn in as Chief Minister of West Bengal for the third time on May 5, 2021.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good to see experienced leaders like Ghulam Ahmad Mir being included. But Congress must focus more on local Bengal leaders rather than importing outsiders. #ThinkLocal
A
Aditya G
As a young voter from Kolkata, I'm tired of this alliance politics. Why can't Congress stand on its own feet? We need strong opposition, not just seat adjustments.
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Shreya B
The inclusion of Deepa Das Munshi is a positive step. She has good grassroots connect in North Bengal. Hope Congress can revive its base there! 🙏
K
Karan T
Honestly, Congress is becoming irrelevant in Bengal. They should merge with TMC rather than fighting separately. At least that way BJP can be kept out of power.
N
Nisha Z
These committees should focus on youth outreach. Most young voters in Bengal don't even consider Congress as an option anymore. Need fresh faces and ideas!
V
Vikram M
The real test will be whether these committees can work together. Congress in Bengal has too many factions pulling in different directions. Unity is the need of the hour.

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