CM Mamata to contest 2026 Bengal polls alone, Sanjay Raut urges dialogue with Congress

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will contest the 2026 assembly elections alone, ending its alliance with the INDIA bloc in the state. The decision marks a major shift in opposition dynamics ahead of the crucial polls. Banerjee has previously contested both Lok Sabha and assembly elections independently, and her party currently holds a dominant position in West Bengal politics.

Reacting to the announcement, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut stated that Banerjee has always fought elections independently but urged her to maintain discussions with the Congress, a key part of the INDIA alliance. “Mamata Banerjee has always contested independently, but Congress is a crucial part of the INDIA bloc. Talks should continue,” Raut said during a press conference in New Delhi. The TMC’s move raises questions about opposition unity in the state, where the Congress and Left have traditionally been significant players.

Meanwhile, addressing the recent meeting between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs from Punjab and party chief Arvind Kejriwal following their defeat in the Delhi elections, Raut called it an internal matter. “AAP governs Punjab, and its high command is in Delhi. Holding discussions for party welfare is completely justified,” he said. The meeting comes amid speculation over internal party assessments after the electoral setback in the national capital.

On the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) probe into AAP’s allegations of BJP’s involvement in horse-trading, Raut noted that such cases are not uncommon in various states and require detailed investigation. AAP has accused the BJP of attempting to poach its legislators, a claim the BJP has denied. The ACB’s inquiry is expected to further escalate political tensions between the two parties.