By Admin 
Assembly Election 2026: This time in the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, the contest has become very interesting not only between political parties but also regarding the women vote bank. On one hand, TMC under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee has strengthened the women’s brigade by fielding a large number of women candidates and also by putting forward leaders like Shashi Panja and Sayoni Ghosh in the campaign, while on the other hand, BJP has made women’s reservation a big election issue.
Election campaign relying on faces
Mamata Banerjee has fielded her strong women’s brigade to consolidate women votes and counter the BJP. This list includes names like Chandrima Bhattacharya, Shatabdi Roy, Sayoni Ghosh, June Malia, Pratima Mandal, Aditi Munshi, Sayantika Banerjee and Rachana Banerjee.
The party has sharpened the electoral atmosphere by fielding not only experienced leaders but also glamor and young faces. Sayoni Ghosh is connecting youth and women by raising the slogan of ‘Maa, Mati, Manush’ in her rallies, while Rachna Banerjee, Shatabdi Roy and June Malia are directly communicating with women in rural areas.
In response to this, BJP MP and veteran actress Kangana Ranaut created an atmosphere by holding a grand road show in support of BJP candidate Subhendu Adhikari in Nandigram of East Medinipur district. When Kangana, riding in an open jeep, waved to the people on the streets of Nandigram, a crowd of fans and workers gathered.
Lakshmi Bhandar vs Matri Shakti Vandan
‘Lakshmi Bhandar’ scheme is also being promoted vigorously. This is an attempt to strengthen the trust of women towards TMC. Women leaders are going door-to-door and communicating. The state government’s schemes—such as women’s safety, economic assistance and social welfare—are being delivered directly to the voters. The party believes that this direct contact with women can play a decisive role in the election results.
BJP promised to give Rs 3,000 to women
In comparison, BJP has promised to give Rs 3000 under the ‘Matri Shakti Vandan’ scheme. BJP has played a big gamble by keeping women at the centre. If the BJP government is formed, every woman was promised ₹ 36,000 annually. Besides, TMC was also accused of failing to protect women and giving protection to criminals. However, breaking Mamata’s ‘daughter of Bengal’ image is a tough challenge for BJP. At present the party does not have any local face like Mamata Banerjee.
BJP behind women’s reservation
At the same time, BJP is attacking TMC and the opposition by making the non-implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act and its delay a big issue. The party alleges that women have still not received real political representation and it has been limited to election promises. BJP is trying to woo urban and educated women voters through this issue.
Who trusts women so much?
In West Bengal, TMC has given tickets to 52 women candidates. The thinking behind this strategy of Mamata Banerjee is that she will attract women voters in the elections. On the other hand, BJP has given tickets to only 33 women. This is about 11.22 percent of the total candidates. However, in the last elections, BJP had fielded 13% women candidates.
The analysis of candidates before the West Bengal Assembly elections (23 and 29 April) clearly shows that the participation of women in politics is still limited. This time the participation of women among the total candidates is only about 11%. However, TMC is far ahead of other parties in this matter—the party has fielded 52 women candidates out of 291, which is about 27.2%.
At the same time, the alliance of Left parties and CPI(M) has given opportunity to women on 34 (13.43%) out of 253 seats. Congress has fielded 35 (11.9%) women candidates out of 294 seats and BJP has fielded 33 (11.2%) women candidates out of 294 seats, which is the lowest proportion.
There were 41 women MLAs in the last assembly of the state, which is more than the national average of 8%, but still far behind the global average of 24%. Despite the Women’s Reservation Act, the challenge of increasing women’s participation at the grassroots level still remains.
Also read: After PM Modi’s rally in Bengal, BJP candidate said – Our victory is certain, TMC’s departure is certain.