As West Bengal gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, the Indian National Congress faces a critical strategic dilemma: Should it primarily target the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee, or focus its energies on combating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is aggressively seeking to expand its footprint in the state?

The Congress party's presence in West Bengal has dwindled significantly over the past decade. Once a dominant force, it has struggled to maintain its relevance in the face of the TMC's ascendancy and the BJP's growing influence. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Congress failed to win any seats despite allying with the CPI(M). The party managed to secure only one seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This decline necessitates a strategic overhaul if the Congress hopes to revive its prospects in the state.

The Case for Targeting the BJP:

The BJP has been making determined efforts to gain ground in West Bengal, employing a multi-pronged strategy. This includes focusing on non-Muslim minority communities, shaping the political narrative, and targeting TMC's prominent figures through legal and administrative channels. The BJP aims to consolidate its support base by appealing to Hindu sentiments and capitalizing on any perceived failures of the TMC government.

Some argue that the Congress should prioritize countering the BJP's communal polarization. By directly confronting the BJP's Hindutva ideology and highlighting its divisive tactics, the Congress could potentially regain the support of secular and minority voters. The Congress might also aim to expose the BJP's shortcomings in governance and its alleged disconnect from Bengal's unique cultural and social fabric.

The Case for Targeting Mamata Banerjee and the TMC:

Mamata Banerjee and the TMC have been in power in West Bengal since 2011. While Banerjee maintains a strong hold on the state, her government has faced accusations of corruption, nepotism, and deteriorating law and order. Targeting these issues could resonate with voters who are disillusioned with the TMC's rule.

Some analysts suggest that the Congress should focus on highlighting the TMC's alleged misgovernance and its failure to address key issues such as unemployment and industrial stagnation. By presenting itself as a credible alternative that can deliver good governance and economic development, the Congress could potentially attract voters from both the TMC and the BJP.

The Dilemma and Potential Strategies:

The Congress's dilemma lies in the complex political landscape of West Bengal, where both the TMC and the BJP wield considerable influence. A direct confrontation with either party carries risks. Targeting the BJP too aggressively could alienate Hindu voters, while focusing solely on the TMC might allow the BJP to consolidate its position as the primary opposition force.

Several strategies could be considered:

• A Balanced Approach: The Congress could adopt a balanced approach, criticizing both the TMC's governance record and the BJP's divisive politics. This would require careful messaging to avoid alienating any particular segment of the electorate.
• Alliance Building: The Congress could explore potential alliances with other opposition parties, such as the Left Front, to consolidate anti-TMC and anti-BJP votes. However, the viability of such alliances remains uncertain.
• Focus on Local Issues: The Congress could shift its focus to local issues and grassroots mobilization. By addressing the specific concerns of different communities and regions, the party could rebuild its support base from the ground up.
• Projecting a Credible Leadership: The Congress needs to project a united front and showcase credible leaders who can connect with the people of West Bengal.

Ultimately, the Congress's success in the 2026 Assembly elections will depend on its ability to accurately assess the political landscape, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and devise a strategy that resonates with the voters of West Bengal. The party's central leadership is aware of the challenges and has initiated efforts to revamp the state unit and prepare for the upcoming elections. However, internal divisions and credibility issues remain significant hurdles that the Congress must overcome if it hopes to regain its lost ground in the state.