Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has kicked off her North Bengal campaign tour ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with a packed schedule of rallies across key constituencies in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts on Wednesday.

According to party sources, Banerjee will begin her campaign in Maynaguri, followed by public meetings in Dabgram-Fulbari, and conclude the day with a major rally in Naxalbari.

The Chief Minister is expected to address gatherings at the grounds of Nandaprasad High School in Naxalbari and Jabravita High School in Dabgram-Fulbari. Administrative and police officials have already conducted site inspections to ensure smooth arrangements.

Siliguri Police Commissioner Syed Waqar Raza confirmed that all necessary preparations have been completed for the high-profile visit.

With the Chief Minister’s visit drawing closer, administrative machinery has been working at full pace. Security arrangements have been tightened, and logistical planning has been finalised to accommodate large crowds expected at the rallies.

Gautam Deb, who is also the Trinamool Congress candidate from the Siliguri constituency, said that Mamata Banerjee’s presence always ignites enthusiasm among party workers and supporters.

Political stakes high in North Bengal

North Bengal has traditionally been considered a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, recent internal unrest within the party—reportedly over candidate selection—has altered the political landscape. Incidents of protests and vandalism at party offices have been reported from multiple districts.

Political observers also point to growing public dissatisfaction over issues such as NRC/CAA and rising cooking gas prices, which may impact voter sentiment in the region.

Sensing an opportunity, the Trinamool Congress is aiming to expand its footprint in North Bengal, complementing its traditional dominance in the southern districts.

TMC leaders expect surge in momentum

Local party leaders believe Banerjee’s visit will provide a crucial boost to the campaign.

Darjeeling district TMC chairman Sanjay Tibrewal said that her presence would significantly uplift the morale of party workers.

Shankar Malakar described Banerjee as the driving force behind the party’s electoral efforts, expressing confidence that her rallies would generate strong momentum.

Several candidates, including Ranjan Shil Sharma (Dabgram-Fulbari), Swapna Barman (Rajganj), and Rina Toppo Ekka (Phansidewa), are expected to attend the rallies, highlighting the importance of the campaign in the region.

Festive mood among party workers

The announcement of Banerjee’s visit has already created a sense of excitement across Siliguri and surrounding areas. Party workers and supporters are eagerly awaiting her directives on campaign strategy as the elections draw closer.

Arun Ghosh said that the Chief Minister’s visit has energised the party base. “We will contest the elections following her guidance and aim to secure victory in all three seats of this district,” he stated.

With North Bengal shaping up as a crucial electoral battleground in the 2026 Assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee’s early focus on the region signals the importance the Trinamool Congress is placing on expanding its influence beyond its traditional strongholds.

Her back-to-back rallies are expected to set the tone for an intense political contest in the region in the days ahead.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share