Wed Feb 12 04:20:08 UTC 2025: ## TMC Declares Solo Run in 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections, Sparking Tensions Within INDIA Bloc

**Kolkata, West Bengal, February 12, 2025** – The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has doubled down on its decision to contest the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections independently, escalating tensions within the INDIA opposition alliance. This follows Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s announcement on Monday that the TMC will go solo, aiming for a two-thirds majority.

TMC leaders have criticized the Congress, accusing it of harming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the recent Delhi elections and lacking a strong base in West Bengal. Bardhaman-Durgapur MP Kirti Azad blamed the Congress for AAP’s losses, stating that their failure to collaborate cost AAP 14 seats. Dum Dum MP Sougata Roy added that the TMC won’t compromise its strength to bolster the alliance.

The West Bengal Congress responded by suggesting that the TMC’s comments stem from panic over the Delhi election results, where regional parties seemingly underestimated the Congress’s importance. Congress leader Ujjwal Raman Singh clarified that while individual parties have the right to decide their electoral strategy, the INDIA bloc’s leadership will determine the future course of action. He emphasized that the alliance’s primary focus remains opposing the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

West Bengal Congress President Suvankar Sarkar questioned the TMC’s rationale, suggesting the party’s concerns about Congress highlight the latter’s significance. He reminded the TMC of the Congress’s role in the TMC’s 2011 victory against the Left Front.

The TMC’s assertive stance marks a significant development in the opposition’s efforts to unite against the BJP ahead of crucial state and national elections. The party’s confidence in its ability to win a landslide victory independently raises questions about the future cohesion and strategy of the INDIA alliance.

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