Kolkata, 16 March (H.S.): The Left Front on Monday released its first list of candidates for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, announcing nominees for 192 constituencies. The list was announced by Left Front chairman Biman Bose and reflects seat sharing among major alliance partners including CPI(M), CPI, Forward Bloc and RSP.

CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim also announced minor corrections in the candidate list for the Natabari and Tufanganj constituencies.

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Seat sharing among Left allies

The list indicates that CPI(M) will contest the maximum number of seats, while other Left partners such as Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) have also been allotted significant constituencies. The distribution reflects the Front’s attempt to maintain organisational balance within the alliance.

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Organisational leaders fielded in North Bengal

In several North Bengal constituencies, the Left Front has fielded experienced organisational leaders. Key candidates include:

Saradindu Chakraborty from Siliguri

Debraj Barman from Jalpaiguri

Jibananda Singh from Raiganj

Arnab Chowdhury from Balurghat

Biplab Barman from Gangarampur

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Prominent faces in Kolkata and adjoining urban belt

The Left Front has also fielded known faces in Kolkata and adjoining urban constituencies. Among them are:

Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya from Jadavpur

Rajinder Gupta from Kashipur-Belgachhia

Nilay Majumdar from Behala East

Nihar Bhakta from Behala West

Faiz Khan from Kolkata Port

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Balanced strategy in South Bengal

In South 24 Parganas and coastal regions, the Front has focused on its traditional support base. Candidates include Swapan Singh from Sagar, Narayan Das from Kakdwip and Samya Ganguly from Raidighi.

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Focus on Junglemahal and tribal belts

The Left Front has also emphasised Junglemahal and tribal-dominated constituencies by fielding leaders with grassroots presence. Among them are Arjun Mahato from Jhargram, Malina Murmu from Keshiary, Rabi Singh Sardar from Binpur and Debolina Hembrom from Ranibandh.

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Candidates in industrial belts

Candidates have also been announced for key industrial constituencies. Shilpi Chakraborty has been fielded from Asansol South, Simanta Chatterjee from Durgapur East and Prabhas Sai from Durgapur West.

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Political significance

Political observers believe the Left Front has prioritised its traditional cadre base, grassroots organisers and social representation in candidate selection. The list suggests an effort to rebuild organisational strength while retaining familiar local faces.

With elections due for all 294 Assembly seats in West Bengal, the Left Front’s first list is expected to add momentum to the electoral contest. The remaining candidates are likely to be announced in the coming days, which will further clarify the electoral landscape.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh