Congress has unveiled its second list of candidates for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, featuring eight nominees and replacing seven candidates from its initial selection. The party has chosen Tahir SK for the Nakashipara seat, who takes over from Golam Kibria Mandal. Other notable changes include Asif Khan replacing Rahidul Mandal in Chapra, Sunayana Biswar stepping in for Barnali Naskar in Minakhan (SC), and Chand Sarkar taking the place of Kaushik Baidya in Mandibazar (SC).
Pampa Malik will contest from Raina (SC) instead of Anik Saha, Abu Bakkar succeeds Md Mofirrul Kassem in Ketugram, and Tapas Baral replaces Nisha Baral on the Ausgram (SC) seat. Pranab Bhattacharya has been nominated as the party candidate for Habra.
In an earlier announcement on March 29, Congress revealed candidates for 284 constituencies, which included candidates for seven seats mentioned in this second list. Among those named are established figures like Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur and Mausam Noor from Malatipur, who recently joined the party.
The Assembly elections for 294 seats in West Bengal are scheduled to take place in two phases, with counting set for May 4. The Election Commission of India has designated the first phase for 152 constituencies and the second for 142.
Following a disappointing performance in the 2021 Assembly elections, where Congress failed to gain any seats, the party aims to transform its standing by positioning itself in a competitive triangular race against the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Why this story matters:
- The reshuffling of candidates reflects Congress’s strategy to regain its foothold in West Bengal politics.
Key takeaway:
- With substantial changes in its candidate lineup, Congress seeks to enhance its electoral prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Opposing viewpoint:
- Some analysts argue that the party’s historical challenges in the state may hinder its efforts to create a competitive environment.
