The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has emerged victorious in all 45 assembly seats across the Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly districts in the 2026 West Bengal state elections, according to official results released on May 4. The sweeping win reinforces the party's stronghold in the urban and semi-urban regions of southern West Bengal.
Complete Sweep in Kolkata
In Kolkata, the TMC won all 11 assembly constituencies, including key seats like Ballygunge, Rashbehari, and Jorasanko. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finished second in most constituencies but failed to secure any seat. The Left Front and Congress trailed far behind, with many candidates losing their deposits.
Howrah District Results
Howrah district, comprising 16 seats, also witnessed a TMC clean sweep. Notable victories include Howrah Uttar, Howrah Madhya, and Shibpur. The BJP's vote share increased marginally compared to the previous election but remained insufficient to challenge the ruling party. The TMC's focus on development projects and welfare schemes resonated with voters in this industrial belt.
Hooghly District Performance
In Hooghly district, the TMC bagged all 18 seats, including Chinsurah, Serampore, and Chandannagar. The BJP managed to secure second place in several constituencies but could not convert leads into wins. The Left Front, which once dominated this region, saw its vote share dwindle further.
Key Factors Behind TMC's Victory
Political analysts attribute the TMC's success to several factors:
- Strong grassroots network: The party's extensive organizational structure across the three districts ensured effective voter outreach.
- Popular welfare schemes: Initiatives like 'Kanyashree' and 'Swasthya Sathi' gained widespread support among women and lower-income groups.
- Leadership of Mamata Banerjee: The Chief Minister's personal appeal and campaigning efforts galvanized voters.
- Fragmented opposition: The BJP, Left, and Congress failed to form a united front against the TMC.
Opposition Reactions
BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar acknowledged the defeat but vowed to strengthen the party's presence in the region. The Left Front called for a review of electoral strategies, while the Congress remained silent on the results.
Implications for Future Elections
The TMC's clean sweep in these districts is seen as a bellwether for the 2026 Lok Sabha elections. The party aims to replicate this performance in other parts of the state. However, the BJP is expected to intensify its campaign in rural areas where it has traditionally performed better.
Overall, the results underscore the TMC's dominance in urban West Bengal, while the opposition faces an uphill task to regain lost ground.
