Kolkata: West Bengal is once again witnessing a high-voltage political battle reminiscent of the 2021 Vidhan Sabha elections, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee prepares to face her former aide-turned-rival Suvendu Adhikari—this time in the politically crucial Bhabanipur constituency.
Unlike the fierce contest in Nandigram in 2021, the 2026 electoral battle has shifted to Bhabanipur, widely regarded as Banerjee’s political stronghold. Political observers describe this face-off as more than just a constituency contest, calling it a decisive fight that could influence the broader outcome of the state elections.
A ‘Political Derby’ in Kolkata
The Bhabanipur contest is being likened to Kolkata’s famous football rivalry—often dubbed a “political derby”—symbolizing a clash of prestige between two dominant forces. The seat has emerged as a symbolic battleground between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
A Seat Steeped in Political History
Bhabanipur’s political journey reflects the broader evolution of West Bengal’s politics. Once a stronghold of the Indian National Congress, the constituency was represented by prominent leaders such as Siddhartha Shankar Ray. The Left parties briefly made inroads, but the seat largely remained under Congress influence for decades.
After being removed from the electoral map in 1972 following delimitation, Bhabanipur re-emerged in 2011—a year that marked a historic political shift with the end of 34 years of Left rule and the rise of Mamata Banerjee.
Since then, the seat has become synonymous with Banerjee’s leadership. She first entered the विधानसभा through a bypoll from Bhabanipur in 2011 and has retained a firm grip on the constituency ever since, winning subsequent elections with comfortable margins.
Electoral Track Record and Political Significance
Over the years, Bhabanipur has witnessed several high-profile contests. In 2016, Banerjee defeated Congress leader Deepa Dasmunsi in a much-publicized “Didi vs Boudi” contest. In 2021, while Banerjee shifted to Nandigram and lost narrowly to Suvendu Adhikari, she returned to Bhabanipur via a bypoll, securing a decisive victory against BJP’s Priyanka Tibrewal.
Today, the constituency stands as a microcosm of Kolkata’s diverse social fabric, comprising Bengali middle-class voters, a significant Hindi-speaking business community, and a notable Muslim population. The presence of the iconic Kalighat Temple—along with Banerjee’s residence—adds to its political and symbolic weight.
Renewed Contest in 2026
As the 2026 elections approach, Bhabanipur is once again at the center of political attention. Suvendu Adhikari has already begun grassroots outreach in the area, aiming to challenge Banerjee on her home turf. The BJP views this contest as a psychological battle to break the perception of invincibility surrounding the मुख्यमंत्री’s bastion.
Adding to the intensity, the BJP is planning a major campaign push featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Party sources indicate that Modi’s final and most prominent roadshow in Kolkata is likely to pass through or culminate in Bhabanipur, amplifying the stakes of the contest.
Voter Dynamics and Emerging Issues
The constituency has also been in the spotlight due to revisions in voter lists, with tens of thousands of names reportedly removed or under verification. This has triggered political debate, with opposition parties alleging irregularities while the ruling side maintains procedural transparency.
A Battle Beyond One Seat
Analysts believe that the Bhabanipur contest goes far beyond a single विधानसभा seat. It represents a clash of narratives—governance versus opposition momentum, legacy versus challenge.
With voting phases approaching and campaign activity intensifying, Bhabanipur is poised to become the epicenter of West Bengal’s electoral drama. Whether Mamata Banerjee can defend her stronghold once again or Suvendu Adhikari can script an upset will be closely watched—not just in the state, but across the country.
