Why Mamata on Edge in Bengal 2026 election?

Jan 29, 2026 - By Ashutosh Roy Politics

Key Highlights

• Mamata on Edge in Bengal 2026 election
• Centre–State Conflict and the ED–CBI Issue
• Ongoing Court Cases and Judicial Observations
• Image Damage Due to Corruption Allegations
• Law and Order and Questions Over Administrative Neutrality
• Offensive Move of Organised Opposition
• Migrant Workers and Identity Politics
• The Anti-Incumbency Factor
• Internal Party conflict within TMC

Is Mamata on Edge in Bengal 2026 election?

Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, is Mamata Banerjee under pressure? At least on the surface, it clearly appears so. Therefore, this situation needs a closer analysis. It seems several clear political, administrative, and social factors are working behind this pressure. Perhaps such a horizon has pushed Mamata on Edge in Bengal 2026 election.

Centre–State Conflict and the ED–CBI Issue

Repeated ED and CBI raids have put the Trinamool Congress leadership under pressure. More importantly, the allegations now directly target Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, in other words, the Banerjee family itself.

So far, agencies have taken action against ministers, MLAs, party leaders, and senior officials. However, courts have not legally proven any of the allegations yet. Even then, investigations are still ongoing.

Meanwhile, issues like SIR, Waqf, the 100 Days Work scheme, and housing projects have pushed the Centre and the State into near direct confrontation. Under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), The Election Commission of India have imposed one special rule after another exclusively for West Bengal.

These include Special Observers, Micro Observers, and additional verification norms. Shockingly, Election Commission will no longer accept Class 10 admit cards for verification. Moreover, this restriction applies only to West Bengal.

Such steps by Election Commission has certainly driven Mamata on Edge in Bengal 2026 election.

Ongoing Court Cases and Judicial Observations

Several cases are pending in court, one after another.

As a result, legal pressure on the state administration continues to grow.

• The DA case hearing is complete. Now, everyone is waiting only for the final verdict.
• The primary teacher recruitment scam case is ongoing.
• The SSC SLST examination issue has also reached the court.
• Although the Supreme Court has cancelled 26,000 jobs in the SSC corruption case, the investigation and trial are still continuing.
• In the latest ED case, even the Chief Minister has received a notice.

Moreover, court observations and ongoing probes are raising serious questions about governance in the state. Such a irreparable damage has forced Mamata on Edge in Bengal 2026 Election.

Image Damage Due to Corruption Allegations

Corruption allegations have seriously and certainly damaged the government’s image.

• Teacher recruitment scams, coal and sand scandals, cattle smuggling, and illegal sand mining dominate public discussion.
• Syndicate control appears everywhere.
• Even to build a house, people allegedly have to pay extortion money.
• Moreover, allegations claim that local Trinamool Congress leaders demand bribes even for the Bangla Awas Yojana. As a result, the local leaders are taking cut money from most social welfare schemes by defeating its holy purpose.

Meanwhile, developers with the support of the local TMC leaders have reportedly filled large stretches of wetlands along the EM Bypass illegally. They have also sold these areas unlawfully. In areas like Gulshan Colony, the number of registered voters is surprisingly low, suggesting that a large non-local population lives there.

Additionally, The Government and the Administration are reportedly housing illegal settlers near wetlands and canals.

Shockingly, allegations also claim that Aadhaar cards and voter IDs are issued in exchange for bribes.

As a result, these issues have created deep public resentment among ordinary voters, which could influence the upcoming elections. So, the corruption allegations have pressed Mamata on Edge in Bengal 2026 Election.

Devastating Law and Order Situation

Criticism over law and order is growing, especially around violence, political clashes, and the role of the police. The opposition has turned this into a major issue.

• From Samsherganj to Beldanga, and from RG Kar to Kaliaganj, police inaction appears increasingly visible.
• Opponents allege that the police have become loyal to the ruling party.
• There are also serious accusations that the police avoid enforcing the law against certain minority groups. For example, the Leader of the Opposition often fails to get police permission to hold public meetings. Even when Suvendu Adhikari was attacked, the police allegedly remained silent spectators.
• In contrast, during Abhishek Banerjee’s tours, authorities provide heavy police security. At times, police are deployed by drawing forces from multiple police stations.

As a result, questions over administrative neutrality and fair policing continue to deepen, and this may influence voter sentiment ahead of elections. So, such a fiasco thrusts Mamata on Edge in Bengal 2026 Election.

Organised Opposition may jolt Mamata on Edge in Bengal 2026 election

The BJP is strengthening its organisational base in the state. At the same time, the revival of the Congress–Left vote bank has become a serious challenge for the Trinamool Congress.

All opposition parties have returned to street politics. In other words, they are using on-ground movements that create public momentum and emotional impact.

Meanwhile, Mousum Benazir Noor’s return to the Congress could shift Malda’s votes back to the Congress camp. In Murshidabad, Humayun’s new political outfit may cut into the Trinamool’s vote share.

Until about a year ago, there was a steady trend of leaders from various parties joining the Trinamool Congress. However, that momentum has now stalled, signaling a shift in the political mood.

Migrant Workers and Identity Politics

Serious questions are emerging over the safety and dignity of In several states, Bengali migrant workers are facing attacks, and in some cases, even losing their lives.

However, the state government has refrained itself from any strong or concrete steps. Instead, it has kept the issue limited to street politics.

For instance, while Adhir Chowdhury travelled to Odisha to address the issue on the ground, Mahua Moitra remained confined to television sound bites.

Such behaviour by the ruling party is influencing emotionally driven voters and shaping public perception ahead of elections.

The Anti-Incumbency Factor

After years in power, public resentment against the government is natural. People are unhappy with rising prices, lack of jobs, education gaps, healthcare issues, and poor public services.

On top of that, allegations of Trinamool strong-arm tactics, extortion, and police inaction continue to grow. Serious crimes like murder and rape are increasing, and communal clashes occasionally erupt.

However, the administration often appears inactive or slow to respond. As a result, the anti-incumbency mood is steadily strengthening across the state.

Internal Party conflict within TMC

Internal unease within the party is increasing, and this raises risks ahead of the elections. Investigations against top leaders, internal splits, and ticket distribution disputes are key reasons behind this tension. The Mamata–Abhishek rift appears almost daily.

At times, Abhishek Banerjee takes a front-line role in the party. At other moments, he suddenly fades into the background.

Meanwhile, friction between old vs new Trinamool leaders, power groups vs dissenting voices, and growing discomfort over I-PAC’s role continues to intensify. As a result, internal instability within the Trinamool Congress may weaken organisational cohesion before the polls.

The 2026 Bengal Election: A Test of Governance, Credibility, and Control

The 2026 election is not just a fight to retain power. Instead, it is a tough test of governance, credibility, and political control.

Therefore, Mamata Banerjee is naturally under increased pressure and remains extra cautious as the election approaches.

 

Latest Update

The Honourable Supreme Court in its verdict has clarified that Admit Card will be acceptable as a valid date of birth Document