West Bengal is poised for a landmark year in 2026, with a series of major political, sporting, and cultural events set to define the state's calendar. The spotlight will firmly be on the high-voltage Assembly Elections, the global spectacle of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, and the beloved International Kolkata Book Fair, making it a year of significant public engagement and development.
The Political Battleground: A Fight for Fortress Bengal
The most keenly watched event will be the West Bengal Assembly Elections, scheduled as the current Assembly's tenure concludes on May 7, 2026. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, is campaigning vigorously to retain its decade-long hold on power. The party is banking on its record of development initiatives and welfare schemes to secure voter support and has set an ambitious target of winning over 215 seats to ensure a decisive mandate.
Challenging them is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is pulling out all stops to bring about a political change. Emboldened by its growth in the state over the past decade, the BJP has made strong predictions of victory. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated the party will form the next government with a two-thirds majority. The BJP's campaign is focusing on allegations of corruption and misgovernance against the TMC, alongside the potent issue of illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, which it claims the ruling party has facilitated for electoral gains.
A critical factor in this electoral battle is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The final roll is due for publication on February 14, 2026. Following a draft roll that saw the deletion of over 58 lakh names, authorities are now verifying about 31 lakh "unmapped" voters. The BJP hopes the final list will remove alleged fake voters, potentially altering the electoral landscape.
A Year of Sports, Culture, and Infrastructure Milestones
Beyond politics, 2026 will be a treat for sports enthusiasts. Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens stadium is confirmed as a major venue for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in February and March. The hallowed ground will host several group-stage matches and is also in line to host a potential semi-final clash, bringing world-class cricket to the city.
On the cultural front, the International Kolkata Book Fair is set to run from January 22 to February 3, 2026, at the Boimela Prangan in Salt Lake. This edition is historic as Argentina becomes the first non-South Asian nation to be the focal theme country. Major publishers like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins will participate, though Bangladesh's official presence remains uncertain for the second consecutive year due to the sensitive political situation.
Infrastructure development continues with Kolkata's metro expansion. The crucial 32-km stretch from New Garia to the Airport is targeted to be operational by December 2026, directly connecting the IT hub to the airport. Furthermore, the stretch from the Airport to New Barrackpore on the yellow line is scheduled to open around August 2026.
Other Notable Developments
The year will also see the restoration of the Salt Lake Stadium, which suffered damage during Lionel Messi's visit in December 2025. Repair work, estimated to cost around Rs 4 crore, is set to begin in January 2026. Additionally, the state government has declared a record 51 public holidays for 2026, including an extended break from Mahalaya in October to Chhath Puja in mid-November.
With the confluence of a fiercely contested election, a global sporting event, and significant cultural and infrastructure projects, 2026 is undoubtedly set to be a transformative and eventful year for West Bengal, keeping its residents and observers across the nation thoroughly engaged.
