Amit Shah Fires Fresh Salvo at Mamata: ‘2026 Will Be TMC’s Last Stand

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In a state where politics is as emotive as it is strategic, Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments about the future of West Bengal’s leadership have triggered a new round of political dueling. Shah, speaking at a high-voltage rally in Murshidabad, declared that the Trinamool Congress will not retain power after 2026, adding that Mamata Banerjee’s leadership has failed the people of Bengal.

With this, the BJP has officially sounded the bugle for its next electoral offensive in a state it sees as key to expanding its national footprint.

The BJP’s Battle Plan

Shah’s assertion was not made in isolation—it comes as part of a calculated move to energize the BJP cadre in Bengal. Following its strong performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and moderate gains in 2021, the BJP wants to present itself as the only viable alternative to the TMC.

He urged voters to “give Narendra Modi just 35 seats in the Lok Sabha from Bengal,” claiming that this alone would be enough to topple the TMC before the next Assembly election cycle. This is classic Shah: bold, unapologetic, and strategic.

Revisiting the Core Allegations

Shah’s speech revolved around several key accusations:

Appeasement Politics – Shah accused Mamata Banerjee of prioritizing minority appeasement over inclusive governance.
Failure to Control Violence – He cited recent communal clashes and the post-poll violence in 2021 as signs of TMC’s inability to govern fairly.
Corruption and Nepotism – From the teacher recruitment scam to alleged embezzlement of funds, Shah painted a picture of a state suffering under a corrupt regime.

“These aren’t just administrative failures. These are crimes against the people of Bengal,” Shah told the crowd.

TMC’s Defense: Performance Over Propaganda

In response, the TMC has doubled down on its development record. Mamata Banerjee herself has stated that while the BJP tries to incite chaos, her government works for “Maa, Maati, Manush” (Mother, Motherland, and People). Her party has emphasized:

Success of state-run welfare schemes.
Financial support for women and students.
Investments in rural infrastructure.

TMC leaders argue that Shah’s comments reflect desperation, not strength. “He’s been saying this since 2018. But we’re still here, and we will be in 2026 too,” said Firhad Hakim, a senior TMC leader.

Ground Realities: What Do the People Think?

On the ground, reactions are mixed. While BJP supporters view Shah’s statement as a rallying cry, others see it as premature. “The BJP talks big but hasn’t shown enough substance at the local level,” said a voter in North 24 Parganas.

Still, issues like inflation, unemployment, and corruption weigh heavily. Many in rural Bengal feel alienated by TMC’s local leadership, which they say is often inaccessible or corrupt. These factors could open the door for a well-organized BJP campaign.

Internal BJP Challenges

Despite the bravado, the BJP in Bengal is not without its internal strife. Leadership disputes, a lack of credible chief ministerial faces, and ongoing desertions to the TMC have hampered momentum. However, the central leadership remains invested in Bengal, and Shah’s visit is part of a larger strategy to rebuild and rejuvenate.

Conclusion

With his recent declaration, Amit Shah has reignited the political debate in West Bengal. Whether the BJP can fulfill his promise of ending Mamata’s rule in 2026 depends not only on strategy and messaging but also on their ability to address internal issues and truly connect with Bengal’s complex electorate.

As 2026 approaches, the narrative of “change” versus “continuity” will dominate the political discourse—and Bengal, once again, will take center stage in the national conversation.