Congress Announces Plan to Contest All Seats in West Bengal Assembly Polls 2026, Including Darjeeling Hills
As preparations begin to take shape for the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, the Indian National Congress has clarified its electoral strategy in the Darjeeling hills, signalling a return to direct contestation in the region. Party leaders in Darjeeling said the Congress will field its own candidates in all assembly constituencies across the state, including the three hill seats, without entering into local alliances.
The announcement comes at a time when political alignments in North Bengal and the Darjeeling hills remain fluid, with regional identity, governance structures, and development concerns expected to dominate public discourse in the coming months.
Congress to Contest All 294 Assembly Seats
At a press interaction held in Darjeeling, senior party office-bearers stated that the Congress would contest all 294 assembly seats in West Bengal in line with decisions taken by the party’s state leadership. This approach includes contesting independently in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, the three assembly constituencies that make up the hill region.
Party representatives made it clear that no electoral understanding or seat-sharing arrangement would be pursued with regional parties in the hills. Instead, the Congress aims to strengthen its organisational presence and present itself as a standalone alternative to voters.
“This decision reflects the party’s confidence in its grassroots workers and its belief that people in the hills are looking for a credible national party with a clear vision,” a senior district leader said during the interaction.
Emphasis on Historical Role in Hill Governance
During the briefing, Congress leaders highlighted what they described as the party’s historical contribution to major political and administrative developments in the Darjeeling hills. They pointed to the formation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC), the political process that eventually led to the creation of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), and the constitutional recognition of the Nepali language as milestones achieved during Congress-led governments at the Centre.
According to party leaders, these decisions had long-term implications for administrative decentralisation and cultural recognition in the region. They argued that such historical context remains relevant as voters evaluate competing political claims ahead of the 2026 polls.
Political analysts note that invoking past achievements is a common strategy for national parties seeking to reassert relevance in regions where regional forces have gained prominence over the years.
Focus on Local Issues and Gorkha Interests
Looking ahead to the election campaign, Congress officials said the party is preparing a manifesto that will address both state-level and region-specific concerns. For the Darjeeling hills, they indicated that issues affecting daily life, governance, employment, and cultural identity would be prioritised.
Party representatives also stated that the manifesto would include what they described as “positive commitments” towards the welfare and rights of Indian Gorkhas, a community that has consistently sought political assurance on identity, development, and administrative representation.
“The hills have unique challenges that cannot be addressed through generic policies,” one leader said. “Our manifesto will reflect the voices of people from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong.”
Candidate Selection and Campaign Timeline
The Congress district leadership confirmed that names of candidates for the three hill constituencies would be announced soon. The selection process, they said, is being conducted in consultation with the party’s state committee to ensure organisational consensus.
Once the candidate list is finalised, the party plans to launch a full-scale election campaign across the hills. This is expected to include public meetings, interactions with civil society groups, and outreach programmes aimed at reconnecting with voters, particularly younger constituents.
Saroj Khatri, the acting president of the Darjeeling district Congress committee, said organisational restructuring and booth-level preparation are already underway to support the campaign.
A Competitive Political Landscape
The Congress announcement adds another layer to an already competitive political environment in the Darjeeling hills. Over the past decade, regional parties and state-level formations have played a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes in the region. National parties, including the Congress, have faced challenges in maintaining consistent electoral presence.
Observers say the Congress decision to contest independently could reshape local political equations, especially if the party succeeds in mobilising traditional supporters while appealing to undecided voters. However, it also means the party will need to overcome organisational and electoral hurdles in a region where alliances have often influenced results.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With more than a year remaining before the West Bengal Assembly elections, political parties are still in the early stages of positioning themselves. The Congress move to contest all seats, including the Darjeeling hill constituencies, signals its intent to play a more assertive role in the state’s political future.
As campaigning intensifies and parties release their manifestos, voters in the hills will be watching closely to see which political force offers practical solutions to long-standing regional concerns. The coming months are likely to provide clearer insight into whether the Congress strategy resonates with the electorate in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong.
