‘Captain Abhishek’ takes charge as South Kolkata flooded with yellow flags ahead of polls

Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified its election preparations, with South Kolkata covered in bright yellow flags bearing the words "Captain Abhishek." The banners and posters, featuring #FamForTMC, indicate a large-scale campaign highlighting Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership role. This follows Mamata Banerjee’s announcement that Abhishek Banerjee and Subrata Bakshi will jointly lead the party for a week while she visits London.

Sources within TMC confirm that the party’s digital and on-ground campaigns are being strategically aligned. The party’s social media cell is actively involved in voter outreach, while I-PAC is handling campaign strategy and mobilization. A crucial meeting is scheduled for March 23, where leaders and workers will finalize digital outreach plans, including virtual rallies and targeted messaging.

The campaign push comes at a time when voter list irregularities have become a focal point in Bengal’s political landscape. Mamata Banerjee had earlier criticized discrepancies in the electoral rolls, following which the Election Commission acknowledged certain errors. TMC leaders believe this development has strengthened their position ahead of the elections, while opposition parties continue to raise concerns over electoral transparency.

Party insiders indicate that the branding of "Captain Abhishek" is part of a broader effort to unify party workers and consolidate voter support. Subrata Bakshi, a senior TMC leader, has previously referred to Abhishek Banerjee as "our leader," further reinforcing his role within the party. The large-scale display of flags, posters, and banners across South Kolkata suggests coordinated efforts to establish a strong pre-election narrative.

With nearly a year remaining until the elections, TMC has begun groundwork for extensive campaigning across multiple platforms. The upcoming strategy meetings and digital outreach initiatives indicate a structured approach to voter engagement. Meanwhile, opposition parties are expected to counter TMC’s aggressive campaign strategy with their own outreach efforts in the coming months.