The upcoming 2026 West Bengal elections raise concerns about which party will dominate the Muslim-majority constituencies, where the TMC had previously performed strongly in 2021.
As the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections approach, the focus is on which political party will gain a foothold in the Muslim-majority regions of the state. In the 2021 elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) achieved a significant victory in these areas, which encompass 85 assembly seats across five districts: Murshidabad, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, Birbhum, and South 24 Parganas. These districts boast a Muslim population ranging from 35% to 66%, far above the state's average, with Murshidabad and Malda being predominantly Muslim districts. With such a demographic landscape, the upcoming elections are crucial in determining the political balance in these constituencies.
Historically, the dominance of these 85 seats has shifted over the years. In the 2011 assembly elections, the Congress and Left Front had a strong presence, controlling a majority of the seats. During that election, TMC secured only 36 seats, with its performance notably improving in South 24 Parganas, whereas Congress won 14 seats in Murshidabad, and the Left secured six seats. The political dynamics in these areas continue to evolve, making the 2026 elections a key battleground for both traditional and emerging political forces.
The implications of how these seats will be contested and who will gain influence over them are significant, not only for party representation in the state but also for broader electoral strategies across West Bengal. As parties strategize for the upcoming elections, the historical context of electoral performance in these constituencies will play a vital role in shaping political alliances and voter outreach efforts, particularly focusing on engaging the Muslim electorate.
