West Bengal election 2026 opinion poll is already a trending topic among political analysts and the general public. As West Bengal gets ready for its next big democratic exercise, the focus is now on the upcoming West Bengal State Election 2026. This election will decide the next Chief Minister and the future direction of the state.
People are eagerly waiting to know who will win in the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026. Though the official dates are yet to be announced, discussions and predictions have already started. Various news channels and survey agencies will soon begin releasing their opinion polls.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the West Bengal Election 2026, including key dates, major parties, leaders, possible CM candidates, and of course, the opinion polls.
What is the West Bengal Assembly Election?
West Bengal Assembly Election, also called West Bengal Bidhansabha Election, takes place every five years. In this election, people of the state elect 294 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
These MLAs then elect the Chief Minister. The party or alliance with a majority (at least 148 seats) forms the government.
The last assembly election in West Bengal was held in 2021. Mamata Banerjee’s party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), won that election. They defeated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had emerged as the main opposition.
Now, everyone is waiting for the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, also known as the next election in West Bengal.
West Bengal Bidhansabha Election 2026 Date
The official dates of the election are not announced yet by the Election Commission of India (ECI). However, based on the last election’s timeline, it is expected to be held between June and July 2026.
Here is a tentative schedule:
| Poll Event | Expected Timeline (2026) |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | May/June |
| Last Date for Filing Nomination | June |
| Last Date for Withdrawal | June |
| Date of Poll | June/July |
| Counting of Votes | July/Augast |
Once the official notification comes, these dates will be confirmed.
West Bengal Election 2026 Opinion Poll: What It Means
Opinion polls are pre-election surveys conducted by different agencies or media houses. These polls ask a sample of voters about their preferred party or leader. Based on the responses, predictions are made about which party may win.
Bengal election 2026 opinion poll will give us an early idea of:
- Which party is ahead?
- Who is the most popular CM candidate?
- What is the public mood in urban and rural areas?
- How has the performance of the ruling government affected voter choice?
However, it is important to note that opinion polls are not always accurate. They only represent a sample, not the entire voting population.
West Bengal Election Opinion Polls 2026: Key Parties And Alliances
As West Bengal prepares for its much-anticipated 2026 Assembly Elections, all eyes are on the key political parties and their possible alliances. The state has always witnessed high-voltage political contests. This time too, several parties are getting ready to fight for power, influence, and voter trust.
Let’s take a closer look at the major political players and how they are shaping up ahead of the West Bengal Election 2026.
1. All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)
The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), led by Mamata Banerjee, is the ruling party in West Bengal. The party has been in power since 2011. It came to power after ending the long rule of the Left Front.
In 2021, TMC won 213 out of 294 seats. This victory gave Mamata Banerjee her third term as Chief Minister.
TMC continues to have a strong support base, especially in rural areas, among women, and among the minority communities.
Ahead of the 2026 elections, TMC is expected to focus on its welfare schemes, such as:
- Lakshmir Bhandar
- Duare Sarkar
- Kanyashree
- Swathya Sathi
These schemes have earned popularity and are likely to play a major role in the upcoming campaign.
TMC is not officially in alliance with any major party but may seek issue-based support if needed after the elections.
2. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the main opposition party in West Bengal after the 2021 elections. It secured 77 seats, a big jump from its earlier count of 3 in 2016.
BJP has been trying to strengthen its ground-level presence in Bengal. It has gained support in many urban and semi-urban areas, particularly in North Bengal and parts of South Bengal.
For the 2026 elections, BJP is expected to focus on issues like:
- Law and order
- Corruption
- Employment
- Religious polarization
BJP’s main campaign pitch is likely to be anti-incumbency and promises of better governance.
At present, the BJP is contesting alone. However, it may partner with smaller regional parties or independents for seat-level adjustments.
3. Indian National Congress (INC)
The Indian National Congress (INC) once had a strong base in Bengal, but its presence has declined over the past two decades. In 2021, Congress failed to win even a single seat in the state.
Despite the setback, the party continues to contest in Bengal. Congress is hoping to revive its fortunes by partnering with the Left Front, just like it did in 2021.
Congress mainly appeals to traditional voters in Malda, Murshidabad, and parts of North Bengal. It focuses on issues like:
- Minority welfare
- Social justice
- Protection of democracy
The party may not win many seats, but it could still play a role in case of a close contest between TMC and BJP.
4. Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M)
The CPI(M) was once the most powerful party in Bengal. It ruled the state for over three decades as part of the Left Front government. However, it has seen a steep decline since 2011.
In 2021, CPI(M) and the Left Front failed to win any seats. But they continue to maintain some influence in parts of North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and pockets of Kolkata.
For the 2026 elections, CPI(M) is again expected to join hands with Congress. Their joint agenda is expected to focus on:
- Farmers’ rights
- Workers’ issues
- Democratic values
- Criticism of both TMC and BJP
Though chances of forming the government are slim, the CPI(M) aims to regain relevance and re-establish itself as a serious player in state politics.
5. Samajwadi Party (SP)
The Samajwadi Party (SP) is not traditionally a strong force in Bengal. It has its base mainly in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of North India. However, in recent years, it has tried to make small inroads into Bengal politics.
In 2026, the SP may field a few candidates, especially in areas with migrant populations from Hindi-speaking states.
The impact of SP is expected to be limited, but it could play a spoiler role in a few constituencies by splitting the vote share.
Alliance Dynamics in 2026
- TMC is likely to go solo, banking on its strong governance record and popular schemes.
- BJP may contest alone, but could explore informal understandings with smaller parties.
- Congress and CPI(M) are expected to continue their Left-Congress alliance, hoping to present a third alternative.
- Smaller parties like SP, ISF, and independents may contest separately, but are unlikely to have a major state-wide impact.
Main Parties in West Bengal Election 2026
Several political parties will contest in the West Bengal State Election 2026. The key players are:
- Trinamool Congress (TMC)
- Current ruling party.
- Led by Mamata Banerjee, the current Chief Minister.
- Strong base in rural Bengal.
- Likely to campaign on development and social welfare schemes.
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Main opposition party in Bengal.
- National ruling party.
- Gained popularity in Bengal in the last few years.
- Likely to focus on law and order, employment, and national integration.
- Indian National Congress (INC)
- Once dominant, now weakened in Bengal.
- May form alliances to stay relevant.
- Could try to rebuild its vote bank with youth and minorities.
- Left Front (CPIM and others)
- Ruled Bengal for over three decades (1977-2011).
- Trying to make a comeback.
- May align with Congress to fight both TMC and BJP.
- Other Regional Parties
- Smaller parties like ISF (Indian Secular Front) may also contest.
- Could play a role in tight seat battles.
West Bengal CM Election 2026: Who Are the Top Contenders?
In every assembly election, the Chief Minister’s face becomes a major talking point. Let’s look at the likely CM candidates for 2026:
- Mamata Banerjee (TMC)
- 3-time CM of Bengal.
- Known for her mass appeal.
- TMC may project her again as their CM face.
- Suvendu Adhikari (BJP)
- Leader of the Opposition in Bengal.
- Once a close aide of Mamata, now in BJP.
- Strong base in East Midnapore and surrounding areas.
- Abhishek Banerjee (TMC)
- Mamata’s nephew and party’s National General Secretary.
- Seen as future face of the party.
- May be projected as second-in-command or future CM.
- No Clear CM Face (Congress/Left)
- Congress and Left are unlikely to project a CM face now.
- May decide post-election if they get enough seats.
Key Issues in West Bengal Assembly Election 2026
The outcome of Bengal Assembly Election 2026 will depend on multiple factors:
- Development vs Alleged Corruption
- TMC will focus on development projects like Duare Sarkar, Lakshmir Bhandar.
- BJP will raise corruption issues like the SSC scam, recruitment scams.
- Law and Order
- BJP may highlight issues like political violence and illegal activities.
- TMC may argue about peace and stability in rural Bengal.
- Welfare Schemes
- Welfare programs, especially for women and students, will be important.
- Voters may compare central vs state schemes.
- Employment and Economy
- Youth unemployment is a major issue.
- All parties may promise job creation and industry growth.
- Religious and Cultural Sentiments
- Identity politics may also influence the vote.
- Parties may try to appeal to specific religious or linguistic groups.
West Bengal Election Opinion Polls 2026: Latest Opinion Polls by Drishtibhongi
As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections approach, the first set of opinion poll data is already out. A recent opinion poll conducted by Drishtibhongi, a political survey agency, has given a clear early trend of voter preferences across the state.
According to this survey, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) is currently leading both in terms of vote share and seat projection.
Projected Vote Share (as per Drishtibhongi Opinion Poll)
| Party | Projected Vote Share (%) |
|---|---|
| AITC | 49% |
| BJP | 36% |
| LF + INC | 11% |
| Others | 4% |
This data shows that Mamata Banerjee’s TMC is still holding strong, with nearly half of the vote share. The BJP is not far behind, holding on to a significant 36%. The Left and Congress alliance (LF+INC) continues to struggle with just 11%.
The remaining 4% are projected to go to smaller regional or independent candidates.
Projected Seat Share (as per Drishtibhongi)
| Party | Projected Seat Count |
|---|---|
| AITC | 206 |
| BJP | 49 |
| LF + INC | 3 |
| Others | 1 |
| Close Fights | 35 |
This is a huge margin for the TMC, which, if results hold, would see the party winning more than two-thirds of the total 294 seats. That’s a clear majority.
The BJP, though in the second position, may get around 49 seats, which is lower than their 2021 tally but still maintains their role as the main opposition.
The Left and Congress are predicted to win only 3 seats combined, suggesting that their relevance continues to decline.
There are 35 seats that are expected to be closely contested, meaning these could swing either way depending on last-minute campaigns, candidate popularity, and voter turnout.
Bengal Election 2026 Opinion Poll: What Surveys Say So Far
As of now, no official opinion poll has been released for the 2026 Bengal election. However, based on political trends, here are possible early assumptions (hypothetical):
| Party | Predicted Vote Share (%) | Seat Range (Out of 294) |
|---|---|---|
| TMC | 42-45% | 150-170 |
| BJP | 35-38% | 100-120 |
| Congress-Left | 10-15% | 10-20 |
| Others | 2-3% | 0-5 |
These numbers are speculative and not from any official source. Once actual opinion polls are published, a clearer picture will emerge.
Role of Social Media in Bengal Election 2026
Social media will play a bigger role in the West Bengal next election 2026. Platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), and YouTube are widely used for:
- Political campaigns.
- Fake news and counter-news.
- Live debates and citizen reactions.
- Political memes and public engagement.
Digital campaigns may target the youth and first-time voters in both cities and villages.
Voter Turnout: A Deciding Factor
In the 2021 election, Bengal saw over 80% voter turnout, which is among the highest in India. High turnout usually reflects strong public engagement.
In 2026, the voter turnout will again be a key factor. A high turnout may benefit the party with strong grassroots presence.
Women Voters: A Silent Force
Women voters played a key role in Mamata Banerjee’s 2021 win. Schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar have increased her support among female voters.
Other parties are now trying to offer similar schemes and promises to attract women voters in the CM election 2026 in West Bengal.
Youth and First-Time Voters
A large number of first-time voters will be participating in the 2026 election. They are concerned about jobs, education, and digital infrastructure.
Political parties will try to connect with them through modern campaigns, influencers, and youth-centric promises.
Final Thoughts
The West Bengal Election 2026 is going to be one of the most watched state elections in India. With national and regional forces competing head-to-head, every seat will matter.
The bengal election 2026 opinion poll will give a snapshot of people’s mood, but the final decision lies with the voters. Whether it’s TMC’s fourth term, BJP’s first, or a surprise comeback by others — only time will tell.
Stay tuned as we keep updating with new opinion polls, candidate lists, manifestos, and more as the election nears.