With the West Bengal unit of theย Congressย deciding to contest all 294 Assembly seats in West Bengal, the party is now grappling with a massive influx of applications from aspiring candidates across the state.
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Party sources said that between 800 and 900 applications have been received from 33 organisational districts. The large number of aspirants has made the task of shortlisting candidates increasingly complex as the party prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections.
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State Congress president Subhankar Sarkar recently announced that the party would fight the elections alone, abandoning alliance politics after nearly two decades. He said the primary aim of the decision is to strengthen the organisation ahead of the 2026 polls.
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However, with hundreds of applications pouring in, the party leadership now faces the challenge of identifying suitable candidates from the large pool. According to insiders, the focus will not only be on electoral prospects but also on selecting โworthy facesโ with social credibility and grassroots acceptance.
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Party sources said that certain criteria have been fixed for the selection process. Preference will be given to individuals with established reputations, including teachers, professors, doctors, lawyers and well-known businesspersons. Public relations, social acceptance and involvement in local movements will also be key factors.
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As part of the process, AICC General Secretary and Bengal observer Golam Ahmed Mir has already conducted organisational meetings in several districts, accompanied by state president Sarkar, Tripura MLA and special observer Sudip Roy Barman, and state vice-president Pritam Ghosh. Booth-level workers also attended meetings across districts from North Bengal to Burdwan, Birbhum and Hooghly.
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After the district consultations, the State Screening Committee will examine the biodata of the applicants. The shortlisted names will then be sent to Delhi, where the All India Congress Committee will take the final call.
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Party sources indicated that the final list will aim to ensure representation of Dalits, tribals and minority communities, particularly individuals recognised for their work in their respective societies.
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With hundreds of aspirants vying for tickets, the candidate selection exercise has emerged as one of the biggest organisational challenges for the Congress as it prepares for a solo electoral contest in West Bengal.
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