MAMATA LAUNCHES BORDER-FOCUSED ELECTION OUTREACH

TMC begins early mobilisation in vulnerable border districts ahead of 2026 Bengal elections.

- TIKAM SHARMA

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), under the leadership of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has officially launched its political outreach for the 2026 Assembly elections, starting in districts where the party has historically faced organisational challenges.

The campaign commenced last week from Bangaon in North 24 Parganas-a region dominated by the Matua community and regarded as a strong base of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Mamata Banerjee's public meeting in Bangaon highlighted the TMC's renewed attention on areas most affected by the ongoing State Identification Register (SIR) process. Addressing a massive crowd, she urged residents-many of whom are anxious about the possible consequences of SIR- "not to panic." Reassuring them, she said, "We will not allow any eviction. No one can force you out when the Trinamool Congress stands by your side." According to TMC insiders, the widespread concern over SIR may help the party recover electoral ground in Bangaon, where the BJP has held a firm grip since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.