Key Electoral Dynamics in West Bengal: The Battle for 91 Seats
Bengal's southern fortress: 91 seats from 24 Parganas, Kolkata and Howrah may decide road to power
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
In West Bengal, the upcoming 2026 assembly elections will hinge on the densely populated regions of North and South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, and Howrah, which together hold 91 of the 294 assembly seats. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are vying for control, with voter dynamics shifting due to recent electoral revisions.
- 01North and South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, and Howrah together account for 91 crucial assembly seats in West Bengal.
- 02The Trinamool Congress (TMC) won 96 out of 111 seats in these regions during the 2021 assembly elections.
- 03The BJP aims to breach TMC's stronghold, particularly focusing on North 24 Parganas due to its significant Matua and refugee votes.
- 04Recent voter roll deletions could significantly impact election outcomes, especially in closely contested constituencies.
- 05The electoral battle is increasingly being fought at the grassroots level, with both parties focusing on booth committees and local demographics.
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In the complex electoral landscape of West Bengal, the regions of North and South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, and Howrah are pivotal for determining the outcome of the 2026 assembly elections. Together, these areas comprise 91 out of the 294 assembly seats, making them a focal point for both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the 2021 assembly elections, the TMC secured 96 of the 111 seats in the Presidency division, while the BJP managed only 14. However, the BJP has been making inroads, particularly in North 24 Parganas, where the Matua and refugee votes are crucial. The 2024 Lok Sabha polls saw the BJP lead in 21 segments, indicating a shift in voter sentiment. The recent Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, which resulted in significant deletions, has created a new dynamic in this electoral battle, with both parties intensifying their grassroots efforts. As elections approach, the focus is shifting from large rallies to meticulous ground-level strategies, highlighting the importance of local demographics and voter engagement.
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The deletion of voter names could significantly alter election outcomes, particularly in closely contested districts. This means that local communities, especially those with refugee populations, will play a crucial role in determining the next government.
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