The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday released its diverse list of 291 candidates for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, blending political experience with fresh faces, while also honouring the legacy of “Vande Mataram”.
The list, released by State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, his newphew and TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee along with state unit chief Subrata Bakshi, features teachers, doctors, journalists and descendant of literary stalwart Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who composed India’s national song “Vande Mataram”.
Soumitra Chattopadhyay, from the family of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who composed India’s national song “Vande Mataram”, has been fielded by the TMC from Naihati.
The chief minister herself will contest from sitting Bhabanipur constituency, where she will face BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari.
Soumitra Chattopadhyay, from the family of literary stalwart Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who composed India’s national song “Vande Mataram”, has been fielded as the candidate from Naihati.
Breaking down the TMC list of candidates
Candidates have been announced for 99 unreserved constituencies, 32 Scheduled Caste reserved constituencies, and 13 Scheduled Tribe reserved constituencies.
Among the 291 candidates declared by the TMC, 62 belong to the General category,
20 from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, 48 from the Scheduled Caste category and 14 candidates are from the Scheduled Tribe category.
Among the candidates, 41 are sitting MLAs, three are former MLAs, and two are former Members of Parliament.
Professional backgrounds of candidates include, 23 teacher, eight social workers, six advocates, five doctors, three journalists. Three spritual leaders, three retired soldiers, one prominent personality associated with social movements, one cricketer, one retired administrative officer and one folk singer.
Additionally, 11 seats have been allotted to women candidates, 36 seats have been given to young candidates (below 40 years of age). Among the age groups, 72 candidates are in the 41–55 age group, 32 candidates are in the 56–70 age group adn only 4 candidates are above 70 years of age.
The Bengal CM has set a highly ambitious target of winning 226 seats, higher from the 213 seats the party had won in the 2021 Assembly elections.
The Assembly Elections in West Bengal will be held in two phases – first phase on April 23 and second phase on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.