West Bengal TMC candidates list: Mamata Banerjee to take on Suvendu Adhikari in high-stakes Bhabanipur battle

With the West Bengal Assembly elections around the corner, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to challenge BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari in a crucial contest in Bhabanipur, her political stronghold. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday released its first list of candidates, confirming Mamata’s candidature from the seat.

Also Read: TMC West Bengal candidate list: Mamata Banerjee announces full list of candidates for 294 seats ahead of assembly elections

The upcoming polls are expected to witness a high-profile face-off as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded senior leader Suvendu Adhikari from Bhabanipur, marking a rematch of their bitter 2021 battle in Nandigram. Adhikari, a former TMC heavyweight, is also contesting from Nandigram, intensifying the political drama.


BJP’s first list also includes names like Dilip Ghosh, contesting from Kharagpur Sadar, as the party ramps up its challenge against the TMC across the state. Political observers say the Bhabanipur contest will be a key indicator of the electoral mood in West Bengal.

Key candidates' list from TMC for 294 seats ahead of assembly elections:

The TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has announced candidates for all 294 West Bengal Assembly seats, with Mamata set to defend her Bhabanipur bastion. BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari will contest from Bhabanipur and Nandigram, setting up a high-stakes rematch.

Out of TMC’s 291 candidates, 52 are women, 95 belong to SCs/STs, and 47 are from minority communities. Three Darjeeling seats will be contested by the Anit Thapa-led BGPM. The party is balancing experience with youth, replacing underperforming MLAs while retaining leaders with strong grassroots networks.

Ahead of the announcement, Mamata dedicated the list to “Maa, Maati, Manush,” underscoring her focus on Bengal’s culture and identity. The TMC has also welcomed back former BJP-aligned leaders like Pabitra Kar in Nandigram, aiming to strengthen local support.

Also Read: Suvendu Adhikari vs Mamata Banerjee likely as BJP fields him from CM’s bastion

West Bengal goes to polls in two phases, April 23 and 29. Analysts say Bhabanipur and Nandigram will be key litmus tests for public sentiment, while TMC’s candidate mix could determine whether Mamata wins a fourth consecutive term. In 2021, TMC had bagged 215 seats; BJP, 77.