In a calculated political move ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has opted for a grassroots-focused strategy in the high-stakes Nandigram constituency, fielding local leader Pabitra Kar instead of a high-profile “heavyweight” candidate.
The decision comes in the backdrop of the Bharatiya Janata Party nominating Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari — a dominant figure in the region — as its key face in the electoral battle, particularly after also being fielded from Bhawanipore against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Ending days of speculation, the TMC on Tuesday announced Pabitra Kar as its candidate for Nandigram. Significantly, Kar, a former BJP Block President and once a close aide of Adhikari, rejoined the TMC just minutes before the official declaration. He was handed the party flag by the party’s All-India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
Unlike the West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 — when Nandigram witnessed a direct, high-voltage contest between Mamata and Adhikari — the TMC has consciously avoided projecting a heavyweight candidate this time.
Party insiders suggest that the move is rooted in a strategic recalibration. Rather than relying on a big name, the TMC is banking on a candidate with deep organisational roots and strong local connect.
A senior leader indicated that electoral success does not necessarily depend on stature, invoking the idea of a “giant killer” in politics. According to the party, Kar’s familiarity with Nandigram’s socio-political landscape and his booth-level influence make him a more effective challenger.
Sources reveal that the party had initially considered other names, including former minister Rajib Banerjee, but eventually settled on Kar after concluding that a grassroots “organisation man” would be better suited for the contest.
Kar’s past association with the BJP and proximity to Adhikari are also being seen as strategic advantages, potentially helping the TMC counter its rival’s influence in the region.
Political observers note that while Kar may not be a high-profile figure, he represents the party’s deeper organisational strength. Many believe that Abhishek will play a crucial role in steering the campaign from behind the scenes, providing strategic direction and resources.
While Nandigram remains a politically sensitive constituency, the TMC’s approach indicates a shift in focus. Unlike 2021, when it was the epicentre of the state’s electoral battle, the spotlight is now expected to move towards Bhawanipore, where Mamata is set to face Adhikari.
Even so, the TMC’s candidate choice in Nandigram signals a clear intent— to counter a powerful opponent not with a bigger face, but with stronger grassroots mobilisation and organisational depth.
As the election campaign gathers momentum, Nandigram is set to witness a different kind of battle this time— less about star power, and more about ground-level political strategy.
Also read: TMC announces candidates for 291 seats, drops 33 pc sitting MLAs
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