• Source:JND

West Bengal Assembly Election: With just a few weeks remaining for the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, the spotlight has shifted to the 126 constituencies that form the political heart of Greater Kolkata. Spanning Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and Nadia, these districts are not merely administrative divisions; they are the heart of Bengal's Bhadralok culture and the key battlegrounds that can decide the state's political future.

For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), these constituencies present a challenge as it halted the saffron wave in 2021. As the election campaign progresses, developments in these constituencies will be closely watched.

ALSO READ: X Down For Thousands Of Users In India, Users Face Difficulty Accessing Feeds

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021

In the 2021 Assembly Election, when the BJP was projecting a target of 'crossing 200 seats,' the 126 constituencies of Greater Kolkata offered a reality check. Of these 126 constituencies, the BJP managed to win only 18, while Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress won 107, signalling its "invincibility."

In districts like Kolkata, Howrah, and South 24 Parganas, the BJP failed to even open its account. Even in the opposition, only the Indian Secular Front, backed by the Left-Congress alliance, managed to make an impact, winning a single seat.

ALSO READ: ‘Mohammad’ Deepak Kumar Calls FIR Against Him 'Partisan', Moves Uttarakhand High Court For Inquiry On Police

BJP Looks To Strengthen Hold In Nadia

In the 2021 Assembly Election, Nadia was the BJP's only bright spot among these six districts, winning nine out of 17 seats. The voters of the Matua community played a decisive role in this outcome.

Ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, the BJP aims to consolidate this support by highlighting the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as a key campaign issue. However, the significant number of Matua community members deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists poses a significant challenge.

Demographics To Shape The Battle In Greater Kolkata

To understand the politics of Greater Kolkata, it's essential to understand its demographic landscape. According to the 2011 census, the Muslim population is around 36 per cent in South 24 Parganas and 26 per cent in North 24 Parganas. The figures are also notable in Kolkata (21 per cent), Howrah (26 per cent), Nadia (27 per cent), and Hooghly. This large vote bank has largely remained with the Trinamool Congress.

While the Scheduled Caste population (approximately 23.5 per cent) and the Matua community created opportunities for the BJP, the OBC and the urban general category appear divided over economic issues.

The party's biggest challenge is navigating the demographic complexity of these districts, particularly the strong Muslim voter base that has remained firmly with the TMC.


Also In News