Bengal Elections: TMC Releases List of 291 Candidates; Mamata Banerjee Vs Suvendu in Bhabanipur

March 17, 2026

Political activity surrounding the West Bengal Assembly elections has intensified. Trinamool Congress chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has released the party’s list of candidates for 291 seats.

With the release of this list, the landscape of the electoral contest in the state has begun to take shape. Mamata Banerjee announced the names of the candidates in Kalighat, Kolkata, stating that the party would enter the electoral fray with full force to uphold its tradition of victory once again.

While announcing the candidates, Mamata Banerjee noted that the party has endeavored to strike a balance between experience and fresh faces this time around. The list features several incumbent MLAs who have been given another opportunity, while new faces have been fielded in certain constituencies.

A significant highlight is that Mamata Banerjee herself will once again contest from the Bhabanipur seat, where she will face a challenge from BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.

Why is the Contest in Bhabanipur Significant?
Notably, during the previous Assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee had contested from two constituencies: Nandigram and Bhabanipur. In Nandigram, Mamata faced off against BJP leader Suvendu, where she ultimately suffered a defeat at his hands. However, she emerged victorious in Bhabanipur.

The contest here holds particular significance this time because the BJP has fielded Suvendu Adhikari as its candidate from Bhabanipur—in addition to Nandigram. Consequently, several questions have arisen: Will Suvendu—who defeated Mamata in Nandigram—be able to defeat her within her own stronghold? Or will this strategic move by the BJP backfire?

Which Leaders Received Tickets?
The TMC’s list features tickets awarded to several prominent leaders. Gautam Deb has been named the candidate for Siliguri. Krishna Kalyani has received the ticket for Raiganj, Bayron Biswas for Sagardighi, and Hamidul Rahman for Chopra. Kanhaiyalal Agarwal has been fielded from Islampur, and Satyajit Barman from Hemtabad. Additionally, Arpita Ghosh has been named the candidate for Balurghat, and Biplab Mitra for Harirampur. Stakes are high in North Bengal Seats as Well.

Check the TMC List here