'No Congress tie-up, will fight 2026 election alone': Mamata Banerjee
What's the story
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will contest independently in the 2026 assembly elections.
She ruled out any chance of an alliance with the Congress or other parties.
Banerjee said she was confident of winning a two-thirds majority and forming a government for a fourth consecutive term, saying "Congress has nothing in West Bengal" and repeating her decision to fight alone.
Internal dynamics
Banerjee criticizes Congress, warns against TMC infighting
During a meeting with party legislators, Banerjee warned against infighting and factionalism within TMC ranks.
She specifically cautioned members from Malda and West Burdwan districts, a legislator present at the meeting said.
Addressing recent controversial statements by party members, she emphasized that repeated mistakes would not be tolerated. She referenced Madan Mitra's public apology for his remarks that the party awarded key positions, including those in the Cabinet, in exchange for money.
Party restructuring
Banerjee announces TMC reshuffle, defends former minister
Banerjee also revealed plans to restructure the party's organizational structure from state to booth levels.
She asked legislators to propose three names for each post to senior leader Arup Biswas by February 25.
In the same meeting, she defended former food minister Jyotipriyo Mallick against his arrest in a ration scam case, calling it "unfair" due to lack of evidence.